BACK in the early days of motoring car pioneer Henry Ford said "you can have your car any colour as long as it's black.

Now, in Bolton the most popular colour is blue.

The preference is revealed in figures produced by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority which show that in 2002 there were 204,000 vehicles on locals roads -- an increase of 40pc on 1993.

It is 100 years ago that the licensing and registration of cars first started in Britain. At that time the number of vehicles was 17,000 -- today it stands at nearly 30 million!

Three out of four families in the country now own at least one car and 71pc of adults hold a valid driving licence.

The records show that while blue is the most popular colour choice for a car in Bolton, it is closely followed by red. And, on average, one third of households in the area buy another car as a result of their child passing their driving test.

The cost of motoring is not deterring drivers though. The average family spends £55.10 a week on motoring, up more than 61pc in the last 10 years.

Owning and driving cars has changed radically in the last 100 years since the Motor Car Act first introduced measures to identify vehicles and drivers. Then the registration fee was 20 shillings and a driving licence cost five shillings. The act increased the speed limit to a dizzying 20mph.

In 1930 the 20mph limit was abolished and different limits were set for different classes of vehicle. There was no speed limit imposed for any vehicle carrying less than seven people. And it was not until 1935 that driving tests were introduce to check a person's competency behind the wheel.

Jonathan Brogan, new car sales manager for the Bolton based Lythgoe Motors Group, which sells Fiat, Mazda and Nissan cars says he has noticed a change in recent years in the car buying habits of local people.

"It used to be the men who chose the cars, but these days it is more of a joint buying decision," he said.

"Women are usually more interested in the styling."

There has also been a switch away from estate cars to MPV cars more suited to family life.

But, as he gears up for the rush of new 03 registrations out on March 1, he says most people decide to buy another car to ensure reliability and keep down servicing costs.

Man in love with his plate

ONE man who loves both his car and his number plate is Bolton Wanderers fanatic Howard Morris.

He has supported the team since 1967 and two years ago he got the special licence plate T13 WFC because it reads like BWFC.

He said: "My wife bought it for my birthday two years ago and it was just what I wanted. I don't know how much it cost but I was thrilled when I got it. It is a great way of showing my loyalty to the team who I have supported through thick and thin for ages."