Sales of the Cowley-built Mini rose sharply in the UK last month, lastest figures haver revealed.

Statistics from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show 4,262 cars were sold, compared to 3,445 in the same month last year, a rise of 23.72 per cent.

For the year to date, 18,703 cars have been sold which is 7.85 per cent ahead of the same period last year.

Nationally, total car sales dropped by 1.74 per cent to 150,431.