THOUSANDS of Austin enthusiasts are gearing up for a mass centenary celebration around the Bromsgrove area this weekend.

All manner of makes and models from 100 years of motor manufacture will be on display at Cofton Park near the Longbridge works, where a campsite is being set up for motor vehicle fans from all over the country and abroad.

"We don't know exactly how many people are coming but it could be between 10,000 and 15,000," said one of the organisers, Tony Osborne, from Bromsgrove.

"All the arrangements are going smoothly and we're just hoping the weather will be fine."

The weekend starts with a black tie dinner being held at the Chateau Impney, in Droitwich Spa, on Friday where legendary racing driver Sir Stirling Moss will be among 200 guests.

Speakers will include CBI director general Sir Digby Jones, who was born above Longbridge Post Office, historian Carl Chinn and ex-Austin apprentice Tony Ball, formerly of Bromsgrove, father of singer Michael Ball and the man who was responsible for launching the Mini.

A hand-picked cavalcade of 100 cars and other vehicles produced at the Longbridge plant will drive from Victoria Square in Birmingham city centre to Cofton Park from 9.30am on Saturday.

In the afternoon, more than 40 Austins will be arriving from the House of Commons in the Parliamentary car run.

The event is organised by the Federation of Austin Clubs, Registers and Associations, Greenwood Exhibitions of Bromsgrove and Birmingham City Council and includes a funfair, a gathering of around 2,000 cars, commercial and military vehicles, club displays, autojumble and a bus tour around important local landmarks.

Plenty of other activities are being promised for fans wanting to celebrate despite the recent troubled end of motor making.

"It's sad that cars aren't being made here any more but we're all determined to make sure it doesn't turn into a wake," Mr Osborne said.

"A lot of good has come out of the factory over the years, including its importance to the economy of Bromsgrove.

"I don't know what the future will bring but this weekend I hope everyone enjoys themselves," Mr Osborne added.

More information about the Austin event can be found by logging onto the website at www.austinmotor.co.uk