VINTAGE vehicle enthusiasts are doing an Italian Job on this year's highly-anticipated Festival of Motoring.

The Borders Vintage Automobile Club (BVAC) launched this year’s festival in Hawick.

And part of the celebrations was a screening of the classic 1960s film The Italian Job.

Around 100 guests packed into Tower Mill for the launch.

In honour of the 60th anniversary of the release of The Italian Job, the theme of this year’s Festival of Motoring will be ‘Year of the Mini’.

Thirlestane Castle will once again welcome vintage car enthusiasts from across Scotland for the event on June 2.

BVAC have including a Classic Mini Cooper Raffle in aid of My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, a Big Mini Cram record-breaking attempt, a special Italian Job display, and surprise celebrity guests for the event.

BVAC Chairman David Pratt said: “In a year that is jam packed with big motoring milestones and anniversaries, we are delighted to announce that the central theme of this year’s BVAC Classic will celebrate 60 years of the Mini.

“And in another birthday celebration, quite remarkably, the Italian Job film will be exactly 50 years old at this year’s show on the June 2.

“It is fitting therefore, that we have officially launched the event with a screening of this absolute classic which famously starred a trio of Mini Coopers.

“This is also the perfect occasion to thank our partners Brewin Dolphin and Thirlestane Castle for their continuing support as well as Emtelle of Hawick and Jedburgh, who have so generously donated the Classic Mini Cooper for our charity raffle in aid of My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

“The Club are thrilled at the response from the generous Borders public and look forward to donating this lovely little car to one lucky winner as well as raising valuable funds for research into Motor Neurone Disease.

“With more than 1200 classic and vintage vehicles of all shapes and sizes making the journey to Lauder, this year’s event promises to be an absolute classic."

Previously described as the Best Classic Car Festival in Scotland by the Sunday Times, the event features Veteran, Vintage and Classic Cars alongside Motorcycles, Commercial, Agricultural, Military, Steam and American Classes.

The BVAC Classic will be held at Thirlestane Castle in Lauder on Sunday June 2 from 11am.

For further information about the event contact Fiona Drane 01750 505053 or by email Fiona.drane@brightlightmarketing.co.uk