A west Oxfordshire engineering firm has won a contract to design a new engine for an iconic British motorcycle.

Meynard Competition Technologies, based in Leafield, near Witney, won the contract to design the power plant for the first motorbike produced by Norton since it returned to British ownership last year.

Commercial director Charlie Bamber said: “It’s an immense privilege to be involved in the rebirth of Norton.

“The brand exudes engineering innovation, sporting passion and unparalleled heritage.

“It’s wonderful to have Norton back on these shores and we’re thrilled to be a part of the project.”

Norton was in American hands for almost 15 years until it was bought by Midlands-based entrepreneur Stuart Garner in October last year.

Mr Garner has set up the company at a new base in Donnington Park and also brought back all the trademarks and development work relating to the Norton, Manx, Atlas, Commando and Dominator brands.

The engine development deal has been agreed for an undisclosed sum and will focus on the new bike, a 961/SS Commando. There are plans to race the machine at the Isle of Man TT, where Norton has enjoyed considerable past success.

MCT, which employs 57 workers, grew out of Menard Engineering, which took over the former TWR factory run by Tom Walkinshaw in 2003.

Other projects it has been involved in include the development of an engine for the Bloodhound car which is being lined up to break the world land speed record and providing the engines for the Superleague series of racing cars launched last year.

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