A POWYS garage is thanking all of its customers past and present and reflecting proudly upon the milestone of still running 25 years after first putting the key in the ignition.

Penybont Service Station marks 25 years in business on Friday, April 1, and it is an achievement owners Gaynor and Robert Lewis are immensely proud of.

“We’d like to say a big thank you to all of our customers past and present. It’s a big achievement and one we’re hugely proud of,” said Gaynor.

“We appreciate all of our customers and local people supporting their local garage. We’re a small independent business and I think people have become more locally minded since the Covid outbreak.

“Thanks to our staff, including mechanics Ash Morris and Ben Jackaman.”

Leading up to the special day, the family-run business started a 25-day countdown on their vibrant Facebook page, highlighting hard-working members of staff they’ve had over the years, posting throwback pictures and giving away free products – they even counted up the number of times the garage has been broken into (twice) over the years.

“A local business being about for 25 years is something to be marked we feel,” Gaynor, referred to simply as ‘The Boss’ on day six of the countdown, said earlier this month.

“We’re doing a 25-day countdown where we’re giving away bits and pieces, profiles on members of staff and throwback Thursdays.

“Our youngest child was six-weeks-old when we opened up on April 1, 1997, so it’s quite a milestone for us as he was 25 back in February. We thought it was worth celebrating, especially as we definitely won’t be here in 25 years’ time.”

The countdown started on Tuesday, March 8, with a post titled ‘25 days until 25 years’.

The innovative and entertaining countdown also includes fun facts, such as the fact the couple sold their home in order to start the business, which was originally opened by the then owners of the Severn Arms, the Penybont pub right next door to the garage.

There was some interesting history posted on day four: “Penybont Service Station was originally a steel Nissan hut that was used on Penybont common to house soldiers in the Second World War.

“It was taken down and rebuilt on the site by the side of the Severn Arms as seen in the photo.

This picture is from the late 60s – Bill Brown used to own and run the garage in the early years. Note to the right of the Severn Arms and joined on to it, the old iron room. Replaced by a new community centre in later years.”

To find out more about the business or enter some of the anniversary giveaways, visit the Penybont Service Station Facebook page.