Thousands of temporary jobs could be at risk in the West Midlands because of threats to axe the famous motor show held at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre.

Attendance at the 100 year-old show has halved since the 1m plus visitors it attracted in the late 1990s, due to competition from other leisure attractions.

Past shows have generated £30m in hotel bookings and created around 15,000 short term jobs, such as stand building and car cleaning, according to the Financial Times.

The show’s future now rests on a revamped format launched next year, featuring live road tests of cars a mile-long circuit round the NEC, a driving school and a 70-acre four-wheel-drive off road course. There will also be a 4,000 seat stadium constructed to host live car displays.