REVVED UP: Purchasing manager Alison Thackray, counter supervisor Steven McKie and yard operator Ryan Anderson with the classic 1990 Ford XR3i which was won by S&A Builders Merchants and will be sold for charity                      TM pic
REVVED UP: Purchasing manager Alison Thackray, counter supervisor Steven McKie and yard operator Ryan Anderson with the classic 1990 Ford XR3i which was won by S&A Builders Merchants and will be sold for charity TM pic

A CLASSIC car won by a dale builders’ merchant after a trade draw is to be sold for charity.

S&A Builders’ Merchants won the 1990 Ford XR3i through a trade draw by ladder suppliers Werner Co, and decided to sell it off for good causes to make up for not being able to hold its annual Christmas draw for two years because of Covid.

Purchasing manager Alison Thackray said the win came as a surprise.

She added: “You can’t believe it. You always put in for a draw and never expect anything. Obviously, we have done a lot for charity and this will make up for the two years we haven’t been able to do our Christmas draw.

“We are hoping local charities will come forward so we can help with their projects.”

In the past S&A has given cash to the Great North Air Ambulance Service, Teesdale branch of Cancer Research UK, Smile For A Child, Teesdale Day Clubs and, through their Crook branch, the Willington Day Centre.

Despite being more than 30 years old, the classic car has only 83,000 miles on its clock and boasts a full service record and MOT.

Counter supervisor Steven McKie said: “I spoke to one of my mates who used to own one and he’s said it is worth between £3,000 and £7,000 – others have said £10,000. It is very clean and it has a very tidy motor.”

Currently the highest bid is £6,000. People who would like to bid on the car can visit S&A on Harmire Enterprise Park, in Barnard Castle.

Charity groups that would like to share in the cash that is raised through the sale can contact Ms Thackray on 01833 696935.