THE grandson of the founder of one of England's most famous car brands has joined the list of speakers at a North-East conference.

Charles Morgan's grandfather began the Morgan Motor Company almost a century ago.

It is the world's oldest privately-owned motor manufacturer and its skilled workforce at Malvern, in Worcestershire, continues to hand-build 500 made-to-order sports cars each year, with half exported.

Mr Morgan, corporate strategy director, is credited with leading the company through changes to survive in a modern, highly competitive market.

He also led the team that developed the Aero 8, the first completely new Morgan for 30 years.

He plans to bring an AeroMax Coupe to the Entrepreneurs' Forum Progressive conference at the Gateshead Hilton on May 22.

It will be the first time the car has been seen in the North-East and was originally built as a commission for Prince Eric I Sturdza, president of Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza.

Such was the response to the car that 100 more - costing from £94,000 each - are being built.

Richard Hammond, BBC's Top Gear presenter, is said to have bought one.

Elle Macpherson, former supermodel and business woman is another speaker.

Places can be booked on 0870-850-2233.