Workers at the Cowley Mini plant are due to return to the production line later today after the Spanish lorry drivers' dispute scaled down.

Bosses said vital parts including brake discs had reached the plant after supplies dried up on Friday causing the factory to shut down over the weekend.

Spokesman Rebecca Baxter said: "Fortunately, we have managed to get the necessary production parts out of Spain and are now able to resume production this afternoon as planned.

"We would once again like to thank (our employees) for their co-operation and understanding during this time."

As revealed in the Oxford Mail on Friday, employees will have to make up the time lost as part of the working time account scheme.

They have been paid their basic wage, but have missed out on shift premiums worth up to £120.

The strike by Spanish hauliers over soaring fuel prices blocked the parts leaving the country.