VINTAGE car buffs were enjoying a double dose of romance today.

For St Valentine's Day just happened to coincide with I Love My Morris Minor Day - and signalled the start of celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the much-loved Moggie.

And celebrating in true style was York Morris Minor owner Paul Heslington - who has a collection of three of the vehicles at his Holgate home.

Paul, 25, a train driver, said he was "bitten by the bug" after buying his first Morris Minor in his bachelor days.

Now his wife, Carol, 23, has also caught the addiction - she is secretary of the Jorvik branch of the Morris Minor Owners' Club.

Paul admits he has a true romance with his Moggies - a 1961 four-door model, which he calls Molly, a 1958 Traveller and a 1955 black split-screen saloon.

He said: "We do have love affairs with them. I could not imagine not having my Morris cars. They are part of the family."

The Morris Minor, which was launched at the Earls Court Motor Show in 1948, was designed by Alex Issigonis, who was also the creator of the world-famous Mini. Production ceased in 1971, and the Morris Minor Owners' Club now has more than 16,000 members.

Anniversary events this year include a rally at Duncombe Park on September 13.

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