A FAMILY-run garage in Pontypool is celebrating its 90th anniversary and the siblings who run it are proud to continue their father's business.

Today, Auto Service (Pontypool) LTD, is run by Hayden Skinner, and his two sisters, Lynne Parsons and Glynis Watkins, who have all worked for the company for over 40 years.

Their father, Jim Skinner, took over the company in 1940, and built up the business.

The business was originally started in 1920, and Mr Skinner, upon leaving school at 14, started there as an apprentice.

He learnt the skills of the trade before taking over as joint managing director with one of the founder's sons, Edward Woolly.

In 1976, Mr Woolly retired and Mr Skinner then went into partnership with his wife Gwendoline, who is still involved with the business today. Mr Skinner was passionate about the company and was involved until he died in 2006, age 80.

His son, Hayden, explained why he likes working in a family run business, he said: "I can work with confidence and I know I have the familiy's support on decisions that I make in regard to the business and they entrust me to do so.

"Plus when I have time off I know the business is in good hands. My father did it since he left school and we have been brought up with the business so it is in our blood I suppose." The siblings hope that the company, which sells mini buses and commercial vehicles as well as conducting MOTs, will continue for yet another 90 years.