THE Herald Classic Car Show and Rally in Alton was the destination for hundreds of vintage motors as the 13th annual event recorded its “best turnout yet”, according to organisers.

Visitors to the September 26 show enjoyed the spectacle of an eclectic mix of 160 classic cars, bikes and military vehicles, as well as live entertainment and market stalls.

The rally departed from Country Market in Kingsley in the morning and toured some villages before arriving at Anstey Park and then headed into town for display in the High Street, Cross and Pillory Lane, the Market Square and Market Street.

Herald special projects manager Alan Wooler, at the helm during the event’s many weeks of planning, described it as a “brilliant” day and, in terms of entrants, the biggest classic car show Alton had seen.

The atmosphere was “buzzing”, he went on, with live music in the Market Square and the debit of electric car manufacturer Tesla Motors which, like plenty of others, said it would be back next year.

The public were entertained in the Market Square by music from Alton College Jazz Collective, the 4tunes, Triple Aces and Michael Twiddy. Deputy town mayor councillor Matthew Bayliss presented the winners with shields:

The winners were:

Best Vehicle: MG Magnette ZB Varitone (1958), Peter Smithson.

Best Turned Out: Ford Escort (1969), John Gibbs.

Most Interesting: Bedford 30 Seat Duple Bus (1951), Charlie Owen.

Best of America: Ford Mustang (1968), Paul Sullivan.

Best Classic Bike: Triumph Thunderbird (1962), Mike and Connie Baker.

Best Military Vehicle: Dodge Weapons Carrier WC52 (1944), Bob Dungey.

Best Motor Trade Exhibitor: Tesla.

Best Overall: MGA Twin Cam Roadster (1959), Ian Warner.

Mr Wooler went on to praise all the work of the volunteers and thanked sponsors Altis Trophies (Lindford), Homes (Alton), and Tony Fresko Ice Cream.

Funds are still being collated and money raised will support the mayor’s charity Home-Start WeyWater and the Alton Lions’ charity Alton Citizens Advice.

During the day, a member of the Alton College Jazz Collective, Jamie Chappell, lost some cymbals, which were in a black case: a Zildjian ride cymbal, Sabian crash cymbal and a pair of Paiste hi-hats. The last place he saw them was in the Market Square. If anyone has picked them up by mistake, they can call Jamie on 07874 216494.