Ford Retail group has officially opened a new dealership at St Helens.From left to right: Nigel Sharp, managing director, Graham Woods general manager of Polar Ford St Helens and Ford Retail chief executive Chris Hayden

The facility includes a showroom for five new cars, a separate used car sales office and 14-bay workshop and is close to the Ravenhead retail park and St Helens rugby stadium. It has 73 staff.

The dealership was officially opened recently by Ford of Britain managing director Nigel Sharp at a launch event for customers, although it has been trading since last August.

Sharp said: "The investment in this new dealership and the facilities it provides is helping Polar Ford to continue thriving in what is still a relatively challenging market."

Graham Woods, general manager at Polar Ford, said: “The team here has flourished since we moved to this fantastic new site in August last year and we are proud of what we have achieved, including topping the Ford league table for customer satisfaction. We were delighted so many of the local community ventured out to join us in celebrating our new showroom."