A HAWORTH man is celebrating after his classic Mini scooped an award.

Shaun Whitehead's 1967 Cooper was amongst the winners at a special Mini gathering held at classic car museum Great British Car Journey, in Ambergate, Derbyshire.

More than 200 classic and modern Minis were on show at the Masters of the Marque event, attended by owners from across the UK.

The vehicles included some dating back to 1959, the Mini's first year of production.

Shaun's car, which he has owned for three years, was described by judges as a "rare gem".

A French export, the vehicle was rebuilt in Romania in 2011 and returned to the UK six years ago.

"I’ve always loved Minis and have three at the moment," says Shaun.

He serves with the Royal Navy, and spends his time off-shore planning his next Mini renovation project and road trip.

"I love to drive through Yorkshire in this particular Mini when the weather is good," he adds.

"I hope to return to Great British Car Journey in my 1983 Mini van when I’ve finished working on it."

Designed by Sir Alec Issigonis and produced by the British Motor Corporation, around 5.3 million of the original two-door Minis were sold between 1959 and 2000, making it the most popular British car of all time.

Today, fewer than 3,000 original Minis – with current test certificates – survive in the UK, and 10 of them are at Great British Car Journey.

The museum's founder, Richard Usher, says the Masters of the Marque awards – sponsored by Wera Tools UK – are designed to honour classic car enthusiasts and encourage them to take part in events.

"The awards fit in with the slightly quirky nature of the museum!" he adds.

"I wanted to give classic car owners an incentive to visit us when we promote days celebrating specific British cars.

"All entrants to Masters of the Marque events receive a commemorative plaque. And an overall winner at each gathering receives a year’s membership of Great British Car Club, which entitles holders to free entry to the museum for 12 months as well as an engraved glass trophy and selection of Wera tools."

The next Masters of the Marque event, on Sunday, August 18, is for owners of vehicles manufactured by the Rootes Group – including the Hillman, Humber, Singer, Sunbeam, Commer and Karrier.

More details can be found at greatbritishcarjourney.com/events-calendar