THE AUTHOR of a book collecting the forgotten tales of a town’s connection to an iconic car plant will discuss the work and how it was produced.

Local historian Bob Frampton spent more than a year speaking with former workers at Abingdon’s MG factory capturing everything from war time experiences to the recollections of those who had barely begun their careers when the manufacturer closed.

The car giant, which is ingrained in the town’s heritage, opened in 1929 and remained in the town until its closure in 1980.

It produced award-winning MG cars and employed 1,400 people at its height, but was closed by British Leyland following a lack of interest from the American market.

Mr Frampton will give two free talks at the town's County Hall Museum on July 21.

Lasting between 30 and 40 minutes, the first will take place at 11.30am followed by one at 1:30pm.

Stories in Mr Frampton’s book, which is called ‘Echoes from the Shopfloor’, include an irate donkey causing havoc, love among staff, and a wartime fire that has left a collection of 1940s MG cars buried beneath an Abingdon street.

He said: “Other books about MG have focused on the famous people involved and the international competitions but I wanted to speak with those who actually made the cars and ensured its success.

"I spoke to about 30 or 40 people from Abingdon and Radley in the end and the thing that comes across the most is how proud everyone is of what they produced.”

The book, released in March, is available from the County Hall Museum as well as via online booksellers.