MINIS old and new will cruise into a shopping centre to celebrate Cowley's proud connection to the iconic car.

Templars Square will display 10 Minis including a historic police van and the new Mini Electric, at an exhibition starting next week.

Mini enthusiast and Oxford resident Tanya Field has staged the event annually since 2017.

She said: "Minis are iconic and have a special place in the hearts of many people, especially the communities which surround the Mini factory."

The cars will be on display from Sunday, February 16 until Saturday, February 22.

Members of the public can attend for free and are welcome to take photographs.

There will also be old Mini-related photographs and brochures about the Cowley-built cars.

ALSO READ: Our report from last year's exhibition

Some of the owners of the Minis will also be on hand to answer any questions, between 10am and 4pm on the Sunday, and 8am until 6pm on the other days.

The exhibition features a 1960 Austin Mini Countryman, Mini police van, 1968 Mk2 Cooper, 1963 Wolseley Hornet, 1990 Mini Cooper S, Mini Clubman, Mini Pick-up, Mini Mayfair and a 2001 Mini Cooper.

Cowley's Mini plant has loaned one of the new Oxford-built Mini Electric vehicles to serve as the centrepiece.

Steve Wrelton, Mini Plant Oxford spokesman, said: "The exhibition at Templars Square is a fantastic celebration of Oxford’s car making heritage.

"With just a couple of weeks to go before the market launch of the all new Mini Electric, we’re delighted to include one of our cars in what is a great line up of vehicles from across the decades."

Paul Jackson, centre manager at Templar Square Shopping Centre, added: "Since opening our doors in 1965 we have welcomed thousands of Cowley plant workers.

"The automotive industry is an important part of our heritage and we are delighted to bring the Minis to the forefront of the community.

"We hope shoppers enjoy this exclusive slice of car history."