Top Gear’s ‘The Stig’ was on hand in Swindon to officially open the new Nationwide Autocentre at the town’s Equity Trade Park.

The mysterious racing driver was joined by the Mayor of Swindon, MP for North Swindon, Justin Tomlinson and manager Andy Wait to cut the ribbon and declare the garage open for business.

The Stig – or his lookalike, no one can be sure as he refused to speak – arrived in a Ferrari supercar, and posed for photographs with 100 fans who arrived at the car service, repair and MOT centre to meet their hero.

Mr Tomlinson said: “I’m delighted to have been invited to the opening of Swindon’s new Nationwide Autocentre.

“As North Swindon's MP, I want to be a champion for local businesses and local employers.

“Of course the car industry is so important to Swindon, so this is a particularly significant new venture.

“As a fan of Top Gear I was also looking forward to meeting ‘The Stig’ – even if it wasn’t the real one.

“But how would anyone ever know?”

Mayor of Swindon, Coun Rex Barnett said: “A centre like this is exactly what we need in Swindon.

“It has the latest up to date equipment, it’s in a fantastic location, and is running an apprentice scheme and employing six local people.

“It’s great to see the garage expanding well and carefully.”

Mr Wait, Swindon Nationwide Autocentre manager, said: “It was great fun having The Stig at the garage. We are very proud to be serving the people of Swindon and they can be assured to expect a quality, friendly and efficient service from us.”