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Archive photos of Jet Four Elms in Chattenden show evolution of firm now part of 4 Elms Group

It's hard to remember when fuel cost less than £1 a litre, let alone 38.5p.

That was the cost of four star when this photo of family-run Four Elms Service Station at Chattenden, near Strood, was taken.

Gordon Dearnaley who founded Four Elms Service Station in 1966. Picture: Jet Four Elms
Gordon Dearnaley who founded Four Elms Service Station in 1966. Picture: Jet Four Elms

If those prices leave you yearning for yesteryear, check out the Ford Capri for sale, up for £2,875.

Also featured in the archive picture is owner Gordon Dearnaley, who set up the business in Main Road in 1966.

Fourteen years later, Four Elms, which sits at the top of the A228 Four Elms Hill, was expanded when a second forecourt was built a few yards up the road on the north side.

Over the years, the service station has also changed its branding to Jet's distinctive bright yellow and blue.

There has also been a change in ownership as Gordon’s sons, Robert and Steven, now run the operation with a full team of 80 people across the whole 4 Elms Group, as it is now known.

An archive photo of Four Elms in Chattenden. Picture: Jet Four Elms
An archive photo of Four Elms in Chattenden. Picture: Jet Four Elms

The firm now has two manufacturer approved bodyshop sites, one of which is in Rainham, and a mechanical repair and car servicing facility.

Its two Chattenden forecourts have a long history of selling Jet fuel.

Jet Petroleum was founded in 1954 in Yorkshire by Bill Roberts.

To celebrate its 70th anniversary, the fuel company has launched a competition where drivers who fill up are being asked to "Pump Up To 70" for a chance to win a Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid worth £26,000.

To enter the prize draw, Jet customers have to fill their vehicle and stop fuelling at a price ending in £0.70 (for example, £23.70).

The north site of Four Elms, in Main Road, Chattenden, pictured here was built in 1980. Picture: Jet Four Elms
The north site of Four Elms, in Main Road, Chattenden, pictured here was built in 1980. Picture: Jet Four Elms

They then need to take a photo showing the price on the pump display, post it to their Instagram story and tag @JETLocalUK.

All information on how to enter is available via pump topper frames and posters for all pumps. Full terms and conditions are available here.

Jet customers and their friends and family can enter as many times as they wish.

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