Almost 290,000 cars have been sold through the government's car scrappage scheme, according to data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers (SMMT).

The SMMT have revealed that 284,479 new cars were registered through the scrappage scheme between May and December last year. The scheme accounted for over a fifth of all new car registrations in December.

"The scrappage scheme has helped significantly to increase new car registrations in each of the last six months. This has provided an important boost to the UK motor industry and greater confidence for consumers," said Paul Everitt of the SMMT.

The scrappage scheme - which gives consumers £2,000 off a new car if they trade in a car that is at least ten years old - is due to run until the end of February.