Convoy in support of Rover staff

About 200 people were at Longbridge to greet the drivers

A convoy of about 250 MG Rovers has made its way to the car maker's Longbridge plant to show support for workers who are losing their jobs.

About 5,000 staff are waiting to receive redundancy notices after rescue talks with a Chinese firm collapsed.

One of the organisers said hundreds of workers and their families were there to meet the convoy, which started at Gaydon Motor Museum in Warwickshire.

Andy Miles said the mood at the plant was "strange and melancholy".

It's nice to know there are people out there who still believe in Rover cars Rover worker Jo Wardell

Mr Miles, who runs a company with is wife Bev which makes suspensions for MG Sport and Racing rally cars, told BBC News: "It's a strange mood - a combination of sadness and a lot of tears. It's melancholy I suppose.

"But there's also a good feeling that people cared enough to come here."

Jo Wardell, who is still waiting to hear if she will lose her job at Longbridge, told BBC News 24: "I've got very very mixed emotions.

"It's lovely to see so many people here who are supporting us.

"It's nice to know there are people out there who still believe in Rover cars."

Ms Wardell added uncertainty was difficult to cope with.

'Not goodbye'

"I just want to go on holiday at the moment," she said.

"But I know I should go and find a job. I want to think positive, but I just don't know."

Mr Miles said the convoy was organised before the redundancies were announced on Friday.

"Originally it was supposed to be a show of support for the workers, to show them that people still care.

"We hope it's not a question of goodbye and that some production at Longbridge will survive."