More than 35,000 new cars have been ordered through the UK's scrappage scheme since it was announced in April, government figures show.

It equates to one in five motorists who ordered new cars taking advantage of the £2,000 discount available for scrapping vehicles over 10 years old, reported BBC News.

Ministers believe those cars would not have been sold had it not been for the financial incentive.

Motor industry figures say it is too early to declare the scheme a success.

Paul Everitt, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, acknowledged that the scheme had enjoyed a "very encouraging" start.

Sue Robinson, director of the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF), said: "The incentive scheme is helping the industry revive sales, while also helping consumers get into a new car. This is a double win.

"The RMIF is conducting a study of the impact of the scheme by surveying the reaction seen by dealers. The results of the survey will be published next week."

You can take part in the survey here.