A MORRIS Minor fanatic is to showcase his cherished 38-year-old motor in front of millions watching the Lord Mayor's Show on television.

Andrew Rudman, of Coote Lane, Whitestake, near Preston, will push his Morris to its 60mph limit down the M1 on Saturday (November 10) to reach London and take part in the Lord Mayor's Procession.

He is one of 15 Morris Minor owners who will drive their cars among the 6,000 strong parade, watched by three million viewers on the BBC and around 500,000 spectators, who will line the 1.7-mile route.

The parade is now the largest of its kind in the world and Morris Minors are included to show-off the best of British manufacturing.

Andrew was chosen to represent the Morris Minor Owners' Club as his 1963 vehicle is in mint condition. In fact it is so well preserved, it is worth ten times more now than when it was first made.

He has been in love with Morris Minors since passing his test in 1972. "I got a Morris straight away," he said, "and I've been interested in them ever since.

"I had one then for eight years until I got married, then it wasn't practical, but I rekindled the flame four years ago.

"I am going to drive it down to London on the motorway -- 60 mph all the way with the soft top down. I can't wait to start the procession. We will be ready at 8.30am this Saturday in the City of London.

"It's a really eye-catching car and looks great with the top down. It's an honour to be picked."

The procession is to commemorate Alderman Michael Oliver becoming the newly elected mayor of the City of London as he makes his way from Westminister to the Royal Courts of Justice to pledge allegiance to the Crown, just like Dick Whittingham did in 1397.

Andrew is a member of the Lancashire branch of the Morris Minor Owners' Club, which meets at Fox Lane Sports and Social Club, Leyland, on the fourth Monday in every month, with the next meeting scheduled for Monday, November 26, at 7.30pm.