A SOUTHAMPTON man known for his love of repairing cars and motorbikes has waved goodbye to the motor service after 44 years.

It all started when 72-year-old Pete Spacagna started his own small motorcycle workshop and recovery centre in Fanshawe Street, Southampton, in 1975.

This was before they moved to larger premises on the corner of Northam and Northumberland Road in 1978.

Having expanded his business to fix cars, the owner of Pete Spacagna Motor Services Limited, Southampton - who has now retired - was then informed they had to move out as the site was demolished for the Six Dials improvement scheme.

Saints FC fan Pete started his motor service at 28 years old after being made redundant from Scooter Repair Service in Shirley, due to a decline in scooters.

He said: “The council made a site available for us to develop and after a year in temporary premises in Radcliffe Road, we opened our new purpose-built workshop and yard on Empress Road.

“I was fortunate to employ very loyal skilled staff, one who remained with me for the whole journey and another for 30 years.”

The motor company now continues to provide services from a site in Durley, Winchester.

Pete said his wife, who he has been married to for 53 years, has always given him her “total support and backing”.

Pete added: “I have been married to my wife Sue since 1966 and she has always given me her total support and backing and then our son Paul and then his wife Diane completed the family business.

“Our recovery and vehicle movement continues with Paul and Di from a site in Durley retaining our number 023 8023 6999.

“Sue and myself would like to thank all our family, staff old and new and customers, many who have become friends, for their support during our 44 plus years.”