A SMALL family filling station has closed the petrol side of its operation after more than 70 years.

Andy Taylor from the A44 Service Station on the Bromyard Road, Worcester, says he can no longer compete with supermarket giants who offer cheaper fuel.

His specialist exhaust service remains in business.

"We have been selling fuel on the roadside for the last 70 years, but due to the Tescos of this world and their pricing we can't compete with them," he said.

"It is costing us to keep it open every week."

Now the fuel levels have run out, Mr Taylor will have the pumps sealed and removed.

"I have been here since 1963, but before that my grandfather was selling fuel on the A44 since 1930," he added.

"My father and I built the place in 1963, then it was just a case of putting a fuel pump up and a little wooden shed to serve.

"I have a mixture of emotions.

"It is something we have been doing for a long time but when it starts costing you money you have to look at it in the cold light of day. It is one of those unfortunate things."