Toyota GB is hunting for the oldest surviving British-built Carina E; the first of the brand's cars to be built in the UK.

Twenty years on from the opening of Toyota's Burnaston factory in Derbyshire, the company's British arm is trying to trace the oldest of its cars that's still in daily use.

According to DVLA records as many as 17,000 Carina Es built between 1992 and 1997 are still on the road and in regular use. Current owners that step forward could win the chance to spend a week with the newest British-built Toyota; the next-generation Auris.

Toyota is seeking the help of enthusiasts across the land to track down early cars and their owners using the power of Twitter and Facebook.

Anyone spotting a K-plate Carina E is asked to let the owner know about the search, with the company suggesting putting a note on the car's windscreen explaining that Toyota would like to get in touch.

If you own one you can easily confirm whether it was British-built, or one of a number that were imported from Japan. The 17-character code on the vehicle's identification plate will start with an S for Burnaston vehicles, and a J for imported cars. The plate can be found under the bonnet, just below the windscreen wipers.

To let Toyota know about the car, the owner's name, address and contact details should be emailed to toyota.contact@tgb.toyota.co.uk. Owners of the oldest examples found will be invited to tell their car's story and have it professionally photographed.

They will also have the chance to win use of a new Auris for a week.

Toyota owners and spotters are also invited to post pictures of the early Carina E on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/toyotauk, or by posting on Twitter with the hashtag #firstGBtoyota.

Toyota is keen to stress that the vehicle owner's permission must be obtained before posting.