A family-run garage in north Cumbria is on the market.

Offers around £300,000 are invited for Hayton Garage, in Hayton, near Brampton.

The Tinnion family has run the garage for more than 30 years.

Ray joined his father in 1984, and bought the business from him in 2002.

Ill-health has prompted Mr Tinnion and his wife Sylvia to look to sell the MOT and servicing garage and the adjoining two-bedroomed home.

Details issued by the firm marketing the garage, say it has “excellent growth potential”, adding that it is a “well-established business” with a “loyal customer base”.

It states: “Hayton Garage has a very loyal customer base which is due to the quality of service and work carried out by the business.

“At present the business is not being pushed to its full potential as our client suffers from ill-health.

“We have been advised by our client that there is real potential to double turnover with the right person in place, as some of the larger jobs are out-sourced.”

Mr Tinnion, 54, suffers from a shoulder injury and arthritis.

He said: “I’ve got to think of my health and my own way of life. It’s not the easiest of things to reach a decision like this.

“I still work but I don’t do the big jobs, I’ve had to stop doing them because my body is getting run down.”

He added: “It’s a great building, it dates back to 1812 on the deeds. It was a blacksmith’s shop originally.”

Mr Tinnion is chairman of Hayton parish council but is better known to Carlisle United supporters at Brunton Park as Olga the Fox’s alter-ego.

He is also an independent candidate standing in the forthcoming local elections for Carlisle City Council.