CARS worth £4million will gather in Blackpool next week in a remarkable celebration -- the 100th anniversary of the birth of the founder of Jaguar Cars, Blackpool-born Sir William Lyons.

As part of the main celebrations, a number of events are being held during the week beginning on Sunday, September 2.

The main event is a rally starting at the Imperial Hotel, Blackpool, where cars representing the Jaguar story will gather.

Some of the motors, like the XK13, are priceless. Vintage models will be there along with representatives of Jaguars through the ages.

One of the stars will be an Austin Swallow which was the first car to be developed by Sir William at his Swallow Sidecar Company in Blackpool.

Following a reception given by the Mayor at the Imperial, the rally will move on to Coventry, taking in Merseyside -- where the new X-type is built -- and Chester Zoo where a new jaguar enclosure is being opened by actress and leading conservationist Stefanie Powers.

On Tuesday, Sept 4 -- the date when Sir William would have been 100 -- a celebration dinner is being held at the Imperial in Blackpool to be attended by the Lord Mayors of Coventry, Birmingham, Liverpool and the Mayors of Blackpool and Knowsley and many other special guests.

The final event is a civic reception in Coventry on Saturday (Sept 8) culminating in the presentation of a statue of Sir William to the city.