MOTOR mogul Jack Tordoff MBE has been honoured by the Yorkshire Society for his outstanding contribution to the county.

Mr Tordoff, 82, founder and chairman of Bradford's Yorkshire-based motor retailer JCT600, is one of a select group of people in the region to be recognised by the society.

Mr Tordoff said: “Being Bradford born and bred, I am a proud Yorkshireman and have never lost sight of my roots.

"I’ve been fortunate to receive many awards during my career, but this accolade has a special place in my heart.

"After 72 years of business, at JCT600 we remain true to our Yorkshire heritage, we are still a family business committed to putting our customers first, and I feel honoured for our achievements and contribution to the region to be recognised in this way.”

For many years, The Yorkshire Society has erected plaques to commemorate Yorkshire men and women who, during their lifetime, have given exceptional service or made a significant contribution to the region and have been excellent ambassadors for Yorkshire.

Mr Tordoff, who built JCT600 from a single dealership on Sticker Lane in Bradford into one of the largest privately owned businesses in the UK, is the latest person to be honoured by The Yorkshire Society with a plaque being erected for him and JCT600 at the company’s Tordoff House head office in Apperley Bridge.

The £1.222 billion turnover family business has become one of the best known brands in Yorkshire and beyond, employing a team of 2,200 people and achieved national recognition through countless awards, including a place in the Sunday Times ‘Best 100 Companies to Work For’ list.

Keith Madeley, chairman of The Yorkshire Society, commented: “The aim of our Yorkshire plaque initiative is to celebrate Yorkshire excellence and corporate success and what better role model could we have than Jack Tordoff and JCT600? He is an inspiring example of Yorkshire grit and enterprise, with his hardwork and talent resulting in the creation of one of the most successful businesses in the region.”

The plaque is the latest in a long line of awards for Mr Tordoff, who earlier this year was inducted into the Automotive Management Hall of Fame at an industry awards dinner.

Under the stewardship of Mr Tordoff, 82, JCT600 has grown to now have 50 dealerships across the country representing 18 car brands, including Aston Martin, Bentley and Ferrari.

The Yorkshire Society’s plaque programme began with the erection of a plaque to celebrate the founding of Fox’s Biscuits in Batley and the Society now takes the lead in recognising outstanding Yorkshire individuals who have become known for their corporate and charitable talent by erecting plaques on their buildings.