They have been known affectionately as “moggies”.

And there was certainly plenty of affection on show when Morris Minor owners from across the region got together in Huddersfield.

They descended on the town for their annual rally, which was staged at the Kirklees Light Railway in Clayton West.

More than 50 owners turned up in their Morris Minor cars of all shapes and sizes.

There were ones dating back to the 1950s as well as more modern ones from the early 1970s.

And there were special smiles for a Morris Minor “caravan” lovingly crafted by its two owners.

The rally was organised by the West Yorkshire branch of the Morris Minor Owners Club.

President Phillip Ellis, of Huddersfield, was delighted with the turnout.

“It was a really good day and a lot of people came along to take a look at our cars.

“I set up the branch in Huddersfield back in October 1980 and we have a thriving group, meeting regularly in Cleckheaton .

“People love seeing Morris Minors; they are a car that makes people smile and when you see them from the front, they do look to be laughing.

“I have had three in the past and they are a joy to drive.

“The thing about a Morris Minor is that it’s a chance to go back to simple, enjoyable motoring. They are cars with a character of their own, unlike the modern cars which tend to be so similar.

“They haven’t made them for 40 years, but there are still a number out there and thanks to the clubs like ours, getting hold of spares is not a problem.

“They are also very reliable cars. Quite a number of our members use them on a daily basis to get to and from work and I remember using mine to travel around the country when I was working.

“Most of them are not fancy concours cars; they are working motors that we simply love to drive”.

FACTFILE

The Morris Minor was designed by the great Sir Alec Issigonis, who also designed the Mini

The first Morris Minor made its debut at the Earls Court Motor Show in September 1948

More than 1.3m were produced between 1948 and 1972, many at Cowley in Oxford

There were three series: MM, Series II and the 1000 series

Two and four-door saloons were joined by the famous wooden Traveller estate