HE was just 29, but Richard Langman was quietly confident that his venture into car sales would pay off.

Some 25 years later, Langmans in Trowbridge is still in business – and celebrating a quarter of a century selling used cars at affordable prices.

Mr Langman was working as an administration clerk in 1980 when an opportunity arose to enter the world of car sales in Frome.

He later moved to Wadham Kenning in Melksham, the main Rover dealer in the area, where he worked for 10 years. During that time he sold more than 2,000 cars in Wiltshire – something that he believes put him on a good footing to open Langmans in Shails Lane.

“When I started out, I did confidently expect to be here 25 years later," said the 54-year-old.

"I was like a boy in a candy shop and I’ve put my whole heart into this business.”

“If there was a quote to sum up what it took to start up the business and run it, it would be that a business is like crossing a river – you must be aware of the current.

“When I was working at Wadham, I had just left school and I addressed everything I did with a determination to succeed. I told myself that I couldn’t be a failure.

“When I opened, I told myself that if I didn’t sell anything for a month then closing down could be an option. Knowing I had to succeed at it, I just went for it and tried to sell them all.”

Mr Langman opened his first showroom, with just four cars on display, in the former Riverway Motors unit. He sold them all within the first week.

In the past two and a half decades he has sold more than 8,000 cars and said much of his success has been down to the support of locals.

“The people of Trowbridge should be thanked," he said.

"Langmans started off as a very local business but we have scaled up thanks to their support,” he added.

“With Trade-It and other sites, we have had people from all over, including London, come down and buy a car from us which is great in getting our name out there.

“I am definitely looking forward to the next 25 years.”