BMW marked a milestone anniversary at its Oxford plant on Sunday, with the factory celebrating 25 years since modern Mini production commenced there.

The event marked two and a half decades since BMW first began manufacturing Minis at the Cowley site on April 26, 2001.

The factory hosted a Drive It Day gathering to mark the occasion while raising funds for the NSPCC’s Childline service.

The celebrations covered several historic achievements, with the plant honouring 50 years of the Rover SD1, 40 years of the Rover 800, and 25 years of the modern Mini – all models manufactured at the Cowley site.

Drive It Day coordinator Tanya Fields said the event proved extremely successful, with 10 Rover SD1s making the journey back to the factory to celebrate their golden anniversary. One car even travelled all the way from the Netherlands to take part.

Since BMW acquired the company in 2001, approximately 4.7 million Minis have rolled off the Oxford production line.

The Cowley plant documented the festivities by filming aerial footage featuring current Mini models.

Around 70 Minis from 2001 made their way back to the factory, including 27 cars displaying Y*** OBL numberplates – the original batch used for press and marketing purposes.

More than 1,000 people attended the gathering, with visitors given the chance to drive classic vehicles free of charge.

A spokesperson confirmed that roughly 200 vintage cars visited throughout the day, with many former workers returning alongside local residents.

BMW Group’s UK manufacturing chief executive Markus Gruneisel described the 25-year achievement as a tremendous source of pride for Mini and everyone involved with producing it in Britain.