A COUPLE have given a new lease of life to a previously closed filling station in Wensleydale.

Mark and Kathryn Oyston have re-opened Aysgarth Garage after extensive re-building and landscaping work.

Apart from selling Gulf fuel it now includes an MOT and service centre with courtesy cars for customers, a jet wash and vacuum facility, showroom and village shop.

The petrol station had been closed for some time and fallen into disrepair.

The couple are from Bridlington and previously ran businesses in East Yorkshire. They fell in love with Aysgarth and the area on regular visits to the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales.

"We always made a point of travelling along this road and I used to see the garage and think what a waste of a fantastic site," said Mr Oyston.

"It had been a really good looking building in a beautiful location in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales."

The couple, who now live in Thornton Rust, had no qualms about opening a rural garage despite the "large investment" involved.

"We did our homework," said Mr Oyston, "We are surrounded by camp sites and holiday businesses and Gulf thought it was an excellent proposition."

The well-stocked shop, managed by John Hall, sells all the essentials and the couple also plan to apply for a license to sell alcohol. The showroom and forecourt is also available to lease.

Mr Oyston, who has recruited two mechanics, said: "We're open between 7am and 7pm seven days a week and are really pleased with the response local people have given us.