A PARADE of Cowley-built cars were driven through the Oxfordshire yesterday(feb29) to mark the reopening of industry founder William Morris's home to the public.

Organised by enthusiast Tanya Field, 14 classic cars made their way to Nuffield Place, the last home of Sir William, Lord Nuffield, who starting car manufacturing in Cowley in 1912.

Nine Cowley-built cars, three from Abingdon and two from Longbridge left Cowley's Mini plant yesterday morning, before arriving and being displayed in the grounds of Nuffield Place near Henley.

The parade also celebrated 103 years of motor manufacturing in the city.

Mother-of-three Mrs Field, 44, said it could not have been better weather for the drive, and that it was nice way to mark the opening of the house after its winter closure.

The Headington Quarry resident added: "The whole drive went really well. It's now in its third year and we got a really good send-off.

"We originally started to do it to coincide with the opening of Nuffield Place, it's a fantastic place for people to go and visit and learn about Lord Nuffield and what he did for not just car manufacturing, but also education and health in Oxford.

"You can also see what a humble man he was."

Mrs Field has the origins of Cowley car manufacturing in her blood, with her great grandfather the 7th Earl of Macclesfield being Lord Nuffield's financial backer in 1912, with an investment of £4,000.

The former Cowley apprentice said: "It's very important to remember what he did for the city.

"I think by doing trips like this, we can raise the profile of his legacy and celebrate the fact that Cowley is still thriving and making cars.

"So many people in the city worked, or no someone who worked at the plant. It's a massive part of our heritage.

"It was a lovely parade and something we will continue."