THOUSANDS of motoring enthusiasts headed to Cornbury Park near Charlbury to celebrate 100 years of Morris cars.

About 2,000 vintage cars travelled from as far afield as the USA to celebrate at the weekend the first car built by William Morris in Oxford in 1913.

The centenary event included displays by the Morris Minor Owners Club (MMOC), falconry displays and an air show featuring Second World War Tiger Moths that were also built in the Cowley factory.

Celebrations have taken place throughout the year of car making at the plant in Cowley where BMW Minis are now produced.

Steve Harold, 50, and wife Jackie, of Warwickshire, own a 1924 Morris Cowley Bullnose Tourer.

Mrs Harold said: “Morris cars have maintained popularity because they’re a boys toy. In a male- orientated world, the Morris’ can be worked on. You can’t work on the engine of modern cars.”

Tracey Cramond, 51, travelled 226 miles from County Durham in her 1954 Split Screen Saloon.

She said: “The drive was very windy as our heating wasn’t working, but despite the weather the diehard fans stayed and enjoyed the event.”

The turnout exceeded the expectations of Roger Needle, one of the organisers, who worked as an apprentice at the Morris factory from 1956.

Mr Needle, 73, of Steeple Aston, near Bicester, owns three Morris cars including a Morris Minor from 1967.

He is a member of the Morris Minor Owners Club and the Morris Register Club.

Mr Needle said: “I’ve got a brown Morris Minor Traveller from 1967 and I drove it to the show. I also own a Morris Eight 1936 Tourer and a Morris Eight Series E.

“The event went brilliantly. We had more people there with a great interest than we could ever have expected.

“Over the weekend about 2,000 cars were there with their owners. The Morris is a British car that has heritage, and are reliable even today.”

For further information visit mmoc.org.uk