AN 89-year-old Malvern man who bought his first Morris Minor the year they first rolled off the production line will be among those paying homage to the car this weekend.

Sid Webb and his restored 1967 convertible will join up to a 100 members of the Malvern Hills branch of the Morris Minor Owners' Club for the annual rally at Gloucestershire's Toddington Station on Sunday.

Mr Webb, who bought his first Morris Minor in 1948, said: "They're so easy to handle and drive. They're very nice little motors."

Malvern Hills branch chairman Jonathon Swift said there were still 80,000 Morris Minors on the UK's roads, a remarkable feat considering production at Cowleigh, in Oxfordshire, ceased in 1971.

He said: "They're easy to repair, don't cost a lot to maintenance and are generally tax free. Some use them as everyday cars, others, like myself, just bring them out for shows. They're one of the cheapest classic cars you can get."

As well as being able to see cars of every colour and conditions, visitors to the rally will be able to take part in Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway's Nostalgia Day at nearby Winchcombe station.

Other attractions include a miniature railway, station shop, trade stands, autojumble and cafe. Rally entry costs £5 per classic car (of any variety), which includes discounted travel on the railway and guided tours of the signal box, engine shed and carriage and wagon shed. Open from 10am, entrants should arrive before 1pm. Call Jonathan or Mary Swift on 01299 832476 to book.

Meetings of the Malvern Hills branch are held every second Tuesday of the month at The Farmers Arms, Kempsey Common, at 8pm.