MORE than 60 years ago hundreds of Morris Minors rolled off the production line at Oxford's Cowley plant every day.

Tomorrow, a few of the cult classics will return to their birthplace as an owners group celebrates 40 years in existence this month.

The Oxfordshire branch of the Morris Minors Owners Club will gather at the city's Mini plant as part of a national journey, which has seen one car driven from John O’Groats to Lands End.

The Oxfordshire-stint will feature member and former Cowley employee Paul Hurd behind the wheel as he drives the Minor to Milton Keynes.

As part of the celebrations, the club is raising funds for Marie Curie, a charity that cares and supports people living with a terminal illness.

Mr Hurd, from Wheatley, said it was important for people to celebrate and learn about the city's car-building history.

He added: "Someone donated a Morris Minor and it was decided the car would travel from John O'Groats to Lands End the long way.

"It's been to Belfast and all over and it's slowly on its way to Oxford. The car will return to where it was born.

"It was built at Cowley so it had to stop here, didn't it?"

The club will meet at 12.30pm at the Cowley Plant before they set off on the next part of the car's journey.

Up to 20 Morris Minor classics will be parked up.

The aim of the marathon is to visit every MMOC branch in the UK over a four-week period as well as a number of additional locations significant to the history of the car and the development of the club since 1976.

Among them is the former Morris works at Cowley, the British Motor Museum in Gaydon, the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu and the home of the founder of Morris Motors, Nuffield Place.

The Morris Minor was designed by Sir Alec Issigonis – also the creator of the Mini – and built by William Morris.

Its innovative design, simplicity, durability and style created fame and familiarity known the world over.

The MMOC exists to unite these people who have a fondness of these loveable ‘jellymoulds’, and those people who still use them as everyday transport.

To donate to the club's cause, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/MMOC-Charity-Marathon-2016