Car fans given chance to major in Minors

More than 500 Morris Minor owners are making last-minute checks to coolant levels and tyre pressures in time to show off their vehicles at a public rally this weekend at Harewood House, near Leeds.

The stately home is the venue for the annual Morris Minor Owners' Club rally, taking place on Saturday and Sunday, June 26 and 27.

More than 1.6 million Morris Minors – affectionately known as Moggies by fans – were built between 1948 and 1971.

The Minor was designed by Sir Alec Issigonis, creator of another iconic car, the Mini.

Thousands are still on the roads – there are around 12,000 members of the Owners' Club, with a healthy contingent of members spread across Yorkshire.

One of the most active of the 60 branches is the Barnsley Minors who are known for their annual drive from John O'Groats to Land's End.

There are also active branches that meet in Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, and Beverley and Bridlington in East Yorkshire.

Hundreds of freshly polished and award-winning examples of the Minor will be on display over the Harewood weekend, as well as sales of parts and Morris Minor merchandise.

The rally is open to all. For tickets go to www.harewood.org