BENTLEY has notched up another milestone with the company's first SUV going into production at its factory in Crewe.

The first Bentley Bentayga to come off the line was part of an £840 million investment programme which has seen more than 1,500 jobs created.

Costing £160,000 and capable of more than 180mph, the initial wave of Bentaygas will be delivered to customers in January.

The first model - which will now join Bentley's iconic Heritage Collection - took 130 hours to build by hand in a new production facility at the works.

Wolfgang Durheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors, said: "This car is a celebration of UK manufacturing at its very best, not only reinforcing our commitment to industry in this country, job creation and significant investment, but to our home in Crewe."

Bentley now employs 4,000 people at the factory in Cheshire which has been its home since 1946.

The Bentayga was launched as a concept four years ago and putting the model into production has seen the creation of a new bodystore, paint shop and assembly line alongside the existing facilities where Bentley also makes the Continental, Flying Spur and the Mulsanne.

Commenting on the investment into the factory Prime Minister David Cameron said: "The Bentayga represents an ambitious £800 million investment into the Crewe factory backed by £9.5 million from the Regional Growth Fund. It has created hundreds of valuable skilled jobs for the area and secured the future of production onsite.

"Well done to all at Bentley. This is a moment of great pride for everyone who lives and works in Crewe."