IT was an historic moment for Longbridge last week as full car production returned to the plant following a three-year absence.

The gates closed for what many believed was the last time in 2005, but the restarting of full-scale production represented a key milestone last Friday.

The first new limited edition MG TF LE500 will soon be rolling off factory lines with most set to hit the plant's 55 UK dealer's showrooms, by the end of September.

Rover's owners, Shanghai Automotive (SAIC) say it has sold 70 per cent of orders for its new model and around 700 MG TF's, which cost nearly £16,500, will be produced by the end of the year.

SAIC also estimate the current 165 workers at Longbridge is likely to rise, which could lead to job opportunities for Bromsgrove and district residents.

A spokesman for MG UK said: "We have all worked extremely hard to meet our commitment to commence production.

"We are delighted to have reached this important point and are looking forward to seeing the cars in showrooms shortly."

Councillor Richard Deeming (Con-Hillside) said: "It's encouraging signs. I am very pleased and I am looking forward to seeing production coming out of the plant."

The iconic plant was opened in 1905 by motoring legend Herbert Austin, producing the popular Metro and Rover 200 models.

Rover was bought by BMW in 1994, who then sold the company to the Phoenix Consortium, under whom it went into administration in 2005, leading to the loss of 6,000 jobs.