BMW has donated £300,000 to Ben to mark the launch of Mini and work starting on a Rolls-Royce plant at Chichester.

Prof Werner Samann, member of the BMW management board who retires at the end of the year, presented the cheque to Geoffrey Atkinson, chief executive of the motor industry benevolent fund.

The money will be used to complete the refurbishment of the first floor of the Nuffield nursing wing at Ben's Lynwood care centre at Ascot.

Bernard Carey, director of BMW's London liaison office, said: “This year has been a significant one for BMW in the UK and the group felt the donation was an appropriate way to mark this long term commitment to Britain.” (December 13, 2001)