THOUSANDS of people flocked to Otley last weekend to view an array of classic cars, motorbikes and more.

About 600 vehicles - including lorries, buses and steam engines - were on display at Knotford Nook for this year’s Otley Vintage Transport Extravaganza.

The field, off Pool Road, was also packed with other entertainment including live music, a mountain dog display, children’s entertainment, ferret racing, a car boot sale and a birds of prey demonstration.

Organiser and Town Councillor Nigel Francis, who has been organising the event since 1996, said: “We probably had about 4,000 people over the course of the day which is pretty good considering the weather, as we had a 20 minute spell of rain later in the morning.

“Just about everyone we were expecting turned up and I was pleased to see the donkeys, from The Donkey Sanctuary, along this year - they were well received.

“I was also especially pleased with the Otley Rhythmic Gymnastics Club and the Sapphire Supreme Majorettes for both agreeing to perform despite the ground on the field being very uneven this year.

“The City of Leeds Pipe Band brought a very big band this time and they’re a very professional outfit that draw s people in.

“In terms of the vehicles there were so many impressive ones it’s very hard to pick out just one.

“But there was a yellow GPO Morris Minor van on display that was beautiful, it was in showroom condition.

“All in all I’m very pleased with how it went and hopefully we’ll have raised a few thousand pounds to top up the different charity ‘pots’.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who came and who helped out - including the Town Mayor, Mary Vickers, who stayed all day and even offered to present prizes for us.”

MP Alex Sobel (Lab, Leeds North West) was also among the visitors.

He said: “It was a great pleasure to visit the transport extravaganza.

“The range of vehicles were fantastic, only equalled by the passion of their owners. “I would like to thank Nigel Francis for the hard work that he has put in once again, making this a very enjoyable event and attracting people to our area.”

Cllr Francis also chairs the Hang on to a Dream children’s charity which is the major beneficiary of the annual extravaganza.

A share of the profits from this year’s event will also go to the Avro Memorial Appeal and support other good causes via Otley’s Spirit of Christmas competition.