Full-scale car production has restarted at the famous Longbridge plant in Birmingham.

After 100 years of vehicle production, the factory closed in April 2005 with the collapse of the MG Rover business.

On Friday, MG's new Chinese owners restarted full production of the two-seater MG TF LE500 sports car.

MG UK corporate communications manager Eleanor De La Haye said: "We have all worked extremely hard to meet our commitment to commence production of the MG TF in August.

"We are delighted to have reached this important point and are looking forward to seeing the cars in showrooms shortly. We have taken the very best options from the car that you saw before and put them into one package.

"If you look at the pre-orders that we have had through our dealers, about 70% are already sold and that tells its own story."

MG was taken over by Nanking Automotive Company (NAC) which in turn has been taken over by Shanghai Automotive.

Gary Hagan, director of marketing for NAC MG UK, said: "The launch of this car also marks the re-introduction of the MG brand to the UK.

"Existing MG owners, our huge band of enthusiasts and fans of the authentic sports car driving experience have looked forward to this day for a long time."

About 6,000 jobs were lost in the closure of Longbridge, which opened in 1905 after being started by one of the great names of British motoring - Herbert Austin.