THREE generations of the Hendy family along with Hamp-shire cricket legend Robin Smith and Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove were at the official opening of the Hendy Group's new multi-million-pound dealership in Eastleigh.

The new multi-franchise operation in Leigh Road is home to Ford, Mazda and Kia new car sales.

The new site also houses an extensive used car operation with dedicated sales centre together with the Hendy Hire operation.

Situated on the site of the former Manor Bakeries (Mr Kipling) factory at the gateway to Eastleigh, the £8m dealership has been built on a three-acre site with more than 75 people now based there.

Managing director Paul Hendy told guests: "This is a key milestone in the history of the group which first started trading as a bicycle shop in Hampshire back in 1859.

"Since then the Hendy Group has continued to expand and the opening of this new facility is testament to the continued growth of the company and our vision for the future.'' Hendy became the first Ford dealer in the country in 1910.

Now it employs almost 900 people across the south and south-west in Ford, Kia, Mazda and Honda car franchises, van and Iveco truck sales, power products, hire vehicles and motorsport.

In addition to the £8m investment at the Leigh Road site, the company recently opened a £1m parts warehouse in Hedge End and will soon be opening a £1m bodyshop at Segens-worth.