CLASSIC car enthusiast Steven Parker has a rare new addition to his collection.

And the 33-year-old has set himself a challenge to get the car back on the road in time to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Eagle-eyed Mr Parker, a Greater Manchester Police community support officer, spotted the rare Austin A70 Hereford parked in a yard between two disused cotton mills near Wordsworth Street, Halliwell, as he patrolled the area.

The car, one of 50,000 made by Austin, cost £984 new in 1954. It is believed to be one of only 20 roadworthy Herefords left in the world.

And when he was told it was up for sale for just £500, Mr Parker jumped at the chance.

The father-of-two, who lives in Little Lever, already owns a 1963 Morris Minor and 1969 two-door Traveller saloon. He had to sell his beloved Morris Minor to finance the purchase of the Austin.

Mr Parker said: "It's a gem. I had never seen anything like it in my life. The vehicle is huge. It is black with a 2.2 litre engine, leather seats and has a large chrome grille.

"My driveway was already bursting at the seams and just would not support another vehicle, but I had to have it. I was smitten.

"I contacted the Austin Counties Car Club and was told it was indeed a rare beast, with only 40 of these cars being known. Of those, only 20 were roadworthy."

The car, registration number ANB 626A, has a complex history in Bolton.

An old MOT certificate revealed it was last used in 1989 by a William Escriva of Bolton, who bought it in 1985. The car was then traded at Gordons, Bolton's main Ford dealership, and left untouched for 14 years. A Mr Darby then bought it and stored it at the mill site.

Mr Parker said: "On June 25, the car will be 50 years old and my ambition is to get it an MOT and on the road before that date."

The Austin of England factory in Longbridge, Birmingham, produced a long line of famous British cars. The factory now belongs to the MG Rover group.