Leftover subscription funds from the now defunct MG Rover Dealers' Association have been presented cheque to automotive industry charity Ben.

A £1,900 cheque was presented by Richard Roberts, of Trident Garages. He said: "The combined Northern & Southern MG Rover Dealer Association was delighted to make this donation to Ben.

"It felt appropriate that these residue subscription funds were put to work in this way, helping the charity that’s at the heart of our own industry.  There can be so many charitable requests on us in this day and age, but I encourage everyone to include support for BEN as part of your charitable giving ethos.  They can’t do it without us."

Tracy Brislen, regional development manager at Ben, senses a broader opportunity: "We are delighted to receive this sizeable cheque but perhaps it could lead to other such contributions?

"Another former association has already approached us but I would ask anyone previously involved in this area of our industry to check whether there are other disused dealer or trade accounts that could be put to very good use by the industry’s charity?"