BLACK Country cars are set to be among attractions for a weekend of borough exhibitions to celebrate Black Country industry.

The exhibitions are part of the Black Country Echoes Festival which celebrates the manufacturing traditions of Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton.

The region has a special history of manufacturing vehicles and vehicle parts, which are still exported worldwide. Dudley borough archive and local history service has been involved in the coordination of the festival which runs to the end of the year.

Today, Saturday September 27, will see a display at a Black Country Vehicle exhibition in Dudley will be Bean cars, a Guy Otter Lorry, a Simon Snorkel fire engine and a sporty Ark Racing car The exhibition will take place at Stone Square, Stone Street, Dudley, from 10am to 4pm.

At 11am on the corner of Queens Cross and Angel Street a sculpture will be unveiled commemorating Simon Engineering (Dudley), makers of hydraulic Platforms, Cheery Pickers and the famous Simon Snorkel fire engine, from which today’s fire engines have been developed.

There will also be a display of Simon Engineering memorabilia in Stone Square.

Also taking place in Dudley on the day will be a film of Black Country vehicles at 12.30pm at Dudley Museum and Art Gallery, Priory Street. Tomorrow, Sunday September 28, will see a Black Country Motorbike gathering at The Red House Glass Cone, High Street, Wordsley, between 10am and 4pm.

Here enthusiasts can take a look at fantastic display of Black Country manufactured motorbikes, including bikes from Clyno, AJS, Norton Villiers and Sunbeam. Awards will be presented for the oldest bike, the best customised bike and the most interesting bike. Bike enthusiasts will be on hand at the event to tell people more about the bikes.