Former international athlete Norman Deakin is planning a charity 50th birthday party this weekend – for a car.

Addingham man Norman – a former Great Britain marathon runner – has always carefully looked after his Rover 80 PA, which was “born” on June 21, 1960.

The car’s registration number is 862 BOM and Norman said: “Ever since we’ve had him, we’ve always called him BOM.”

He has owned the car since 1979. “When I left school, it was a car that I always wanted. It took me 19 years to save up enough money to buy one,” he said.

To celebrate the car’s golden jubilee, he will lead a host of classic cars around the lanes of West and North Yorkshire on Sunday before returning for the party.

“The party has created quite a bit of interest and I’ve had a lot of good feedback about it, but I must admit that people do think it’s a bit eccentric to have a 50th birthday party for a car,” he said.

“I’m only the third owner of the car and we’ve kept it in good condition over the years.”

Norman, 63, who runs Ridings Financial Planning LLP in Ilkley, has been looking after his car with the help of Gerard Simpson, of Lessian Motors.

“I have known Norman for many years and have been impressed with the care he has given to BOM,” said Mr Simpson. “I am looking forward to a very enjoyable day.”

The event will start at 10am with Norman leading a parade of classic cars from Lessian Motors, in Little Lane, Ilkley, while the band Bullfrog Jones will perform at 3pm at the garage.

There will be a collection in aid of Hearing Dogs for the Deaf.