WHEN the first Mini rolled off the production line in 1959 student Nathan Davies Burke wasn’t even on the planet.

But that hasn’t stopped him being besotted with the classic car of the era which went on to become an icon of British motoring.

Now, Nathan, from Handforth, a student of film at Salford University, is to be at the heart of the celebrations to mark the car’s historic 50th anniversary milestone.

A wannabe film producer, he will have his camera at the ready to record memories of Mini owners and their beloved cars.

Nathan, 20, will be shooting film about Mini owners past and present across Cheshire who have a story to tell involving their favourite car of yesteryear.

He said his love of the car went back to his early childhood years before he could drive and it has been an enduring passion ever since.

Recollections from his teenage years when he helped his grandfather restore ‘Monty’ - a J registered model- will be included as will clips from his favourite film, you’ve guessed it, The Italian Job.

There will also be clips of Nathan when he passed his driving test in a Mini.

Naturally he put the car in the frame when he had to choose a project for his course at university.

He said: "My university project is called ‘A Mini Milestone’ and is being filmed for The University of Salford BA Television and Radio course. I want to add mini gems from other people who share my heartfelt affection for the car.

"I’ve been told a hopeless romantic Mini lover proposed in one, another was driven to her wedding in hers and the oldest model is still in a garage somewhere in Cheshire.

"I want to trace them all and hear from anyone who has a tale to tell about their Mini."

The Mini was produced by the British Motor Corporation and its successors from 1959 until 2000.

The original is an icon of the 1960s and in 1999 went on to be voted the second most influential car of the 20th Century, behind the Ford Model T.

Created by the late, great Sir Alec Issigonis, it was designed to be small, cheap, economic and safe.

Classless, famous owners have included the Queen, The Beatles, Peter Sellars, Britt Ekland, Steve McQueen, Clint Eastwood, David Niven, Paul Newman, Brigitte Bardot, Dudley Moore, Cliff Richard, Norman Wisdom, Lord Snowdon, Princess Alexandra, Prince Michael of Kent, Twiggy and Dame Margot Fonteyn.

Nathan’s project is being supported by Bluebell BMW, Wilmslow, which is hosting its own 50th anniversary celebration in tandem with the launch of the new BMW Mini.

A spokesman said: "We are delighted to be associated with this film study of the Mini and would like to help the next generation of film makers. You never know he may go on to become a latter day Danny Boyle."

If you can help telephone Nathan on 75008 70565 or e mail is nathyboy123@hotmail.com .