A Kent truck and van dealer has won a coveted trophy for its after sales service.

Mercedes-Benz dealer Sparshatts, based at Sittingbourne, won the After Sales trophy at the manufacturer's Dealer of the Year Awards held in Germany.

David Jones, dealer principal of Sparshatts, which also has operations in Ashford, Dartford, Rainham and Tunbridge Wells. said: "Mercedes-Benz interviewed vehicle operators nationwide, as well as examining key performance indicators, before deciding to award the Mercedes-Benz After Sales Dealer of the Year trophy to Sparshatts.

"Anyone who knows about trucks and vans will appreciate the absolutely crucial of importance of top-quality support.

"Our After Sales Dealer of the Year award is a fitting tribute to all of the hard work put in by group after-sales manager Tony Thrower and his colleagues, all of whom thoroughly deserve this national recognition."

Sparshatts beat off 21 other dealerships to secure the title.