The four-millionth British-built Vauxhall Astra (www.vauxhall.co.uk) has rolled off the production line at the firm’s Ellesmere Port factory, which has been producing the car for almost 40 years.

Nearly 2,000 people are employed at the site, which produces around 680 Astras every day; the milestone was celebrated with a choreographed display of 236 Astra Sport Tourers to spell out the milestone.

Denis Chick, Vauxhall’s director of communications said: “The Vauxhall Astra has been one of Britain’s best-selling cars for almost four decades, and we’re proud to manufacture it here at Ellesmere Port.

"The Astra is the sixth-most-popular new car for UK motorists this year, with more than 34,000 registered between January and July.”

Ellesmere Port has produced all seven generations of the famous Astra, exporting over two million vehicles to 25 European markets — and even Australia in the early years.

Vauxhall has invested over £200 million in the factory in recent years; and with nearly 80% of Ellesmere Port vehicles currently exported out of the UK, it is set to continue as a major supplier to customers, both at home and abroad.