A Welland mechanic was given a helping hand by customers and friends when he moved his business this week.

Dave Baldwin found a new site at Hanley Swan Garage for his Welland Body Shop, just two days before his lease expired.

He hurriedly rounded up a group of volunteers to help move his equipment.

Now 50, Mr Baldwin began work at the garage as a 15-year-old apprentice and took over the business 11 years ago.

"In a way I'll be sad to be leaving Welland," he said. "I've never worked anywhere else."

A keen drag racer, Mr Baldwin looks after VW camper vans and Beatles for local enthusiasts. Customer and VW club member Sara Williams, who lives in Welland, said: "It's been like our little meeting place. Everybody's really going to miss him."