Rainworth Skoda has celebrated half a century with the Czech brand with the rebranding of the former Bickerton Sheffield dealership it acquired back in 2007.

The company, started in 1969 in Mansfield has been representing Skoda continuously for 50 years, selling a varied mix of vehicles ranging from the original Octavia Estate of 1959-1971 to the rear-engined 100 and 110 of 1969-1977.

Simon Beckett, joint owner and managing director of the business, said: "We are delighted with this achievement and would like thank both customers and our team for celebrating with us."

Rainworth Skoda celebrated the 50-year milestone by hosting an event in Mansfield where previous employees joined customers, current team members and representatives from Skoda UK.

A range of historic and unusual models took centre stage, with display cars such as the vRS ice cream van and a Fabia S2000 on show.

The event also provided the perfect setting for the unveiling of the brand’s all-new Scala hatchback.

Beckett said that he was pleased to celebrate the landmark anniversary with staff and customers. He said: “They are the reason why we continue to grow as a company and enjoy the success we do. We are proud of of our long-standing relationship with Skoda and look forward to another fifty years.”

Now the family-owned business is preparing to add the Rainworth name to one more dealership points with the rebranding of the former Bickerton Skoda facility on Penistone Road, Sheffield.

Family operated since day one, Rainworth Skoda has been run by Jon Atherton and Simon Beckett since 2001.

The company has collected numerous awards over the last 50 years including Skoda Fleet Retailer of the Year and Skoda New Car Sales Retailer of the Year in 2014 and 2016.

In 2018, Rainworth Skoda was also named as one of Nottinghamshire’s top 100 companies.