Workers at the Mini plant in Cowley are celebrating after recording their best ever sales month in the UK and worldwide.

In March, 8,858 cars were registered in the UK, a 12 per cent increase on the same month last year, toppling the previous record set last September.

Mini UK has now sold 12,338 new vehicles so far in 2008, a six per cent overall rise on last year.

Worldwide, 26,693 Minis were been sold in March. This represents a 24.4 per cent rise on the same month last year.

Bosses say production is also set to reach record levels this year, with more than 240,000 set to roll off the production line.

Andy Hearn, Mini UK's general manager, said: "This new record reflects the broadening Mini range which was bolstered by the arrival of the new Clubman."