Council chiefs are opting for a "made in the West Midlands" policy for Sandwell's civic cars.

They have had two new Castle Bromwich-made Jaguars delivered, to transport the Mayor and his deputy to and from official duties.

The Mayor will now travel in a Jaguar 4.2 XJ8 limousine, which replaces a Daimler limousine that council bosses say "had reached the end of its useful life".

The Deputy Mayor will use of a smaller Jaguar 3.0 XJ6 model, which replaces a Rover 75 formerly used for civic duties. The new vehicles are costing a total of just under £1,750 a month.

Council leader Bill Thomas, said, "As well as being manufactured in Birmingham, Jaguar vehicles are fitted with components and made with materials supplied by local companies."

The Lord Mayor, Coun Bill Archer, said: "Sandwell's civic vehicles will reflect well upon the borough."