More than 2,500 workers who build the Mini at a production plant in Oxfordshire have voted to accept a two-year pay deal worth on average more than 8%.

Staff at the Cowley plant near Oxford, backed the offer in a ballot by 2-1.

German car giant, BMW, which owns Mini, said the deal would raise annual pay to around �19,700 for production workers.

The deal comes as the 200,000th Mini, since its launch last year, rolled off the production line in Cowley on Monday.

New benefits

The new pay deal will mean workers receive an extra �15-a-week over the first year, followed by an extra �10-a-week in the second - or the rate of inflation if that is higher.

A new company bonus scheme will mean staff are able to earn an extra �260-a-year, and extra holidays are being introduced for long-term employees.

The landmark 200,000th Mini was donated to the Oxford Children's Hospital Campaign.

It is hoped the bright red Mini Cooper will help raise money towards building a �15m children's hospital in the county.