A FLINTSHIRE tyre is celebrating after scooping a national award.

Buckley Tyre Service has been named the best tyre dealer in the UK after picking up the Tyre Retailer of the Year Award at the National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA) Awards.

The independent dealership initially won the small retailer category, before going on to be crowned the NTDA’s overall Tyre Retailer of the Year – a flagship award which pitted the business against the winners of the medium retailer (up to 25 centres) and large retailer (national) categories.

It marks a successful 45th anniversary year for the business, which was founded by John Atkin and his late father Michael in October 1974, initially operating from a small tin shed.

Today the company, which is a Michelin Certified Centre, employs 25 people and pulls in motorists and motorcycle riders far beyond any ‘territory' normally associated with a fast-fit firm.

Mr Atkin said: “It was the first time we’d ever entered, so to go home having won our category and been named the best tyre dealer in the country was a magnificent result.

“It’s testament to the hard work of every member of my team. We’re all absolutely chuffed.

"It doesn’t get more special than going head-to-head with some of the biggest tyre companies in the country and winning.”

In recognition of his father’s key role in founding the business, Mr Atkin chose to wear his father’s dinner jacket to the event.

“It didn’t really fit me," he said, "but I wanted a part of him to be with me.

"He’d have been very proud of what we’ve accomplished.”

Andy Aylward, Michelin’s Retail Programme Manager for the UK and Ireland, said: “This is one of the very best examples in the country of how to run an independent tyre dealership.

“Every single person on the team knows their role inside out, and works hard to deliver complete customer satisfaction. We use the Google reviews this business generates when we’re training other dealers; it’s a shining example of just what’s possible when everyone’s pulling in the same direction.”