Crowd revved up over Shropshire vintage vehicles display

They are their pride and joy – and thousands of enthusiasts revved up their old motors to show them off at an annual vintage show at Shrewsbury's West Mid Showground.

Exhibitors from across the UK brought their machines to the two-day show, where there were hundreds of vehicles on display, ranging from classic cars to steam engines, throughout Saturday and yesterday.

For the first time this year village blacksmith Gary Saunders brought examples of his work and a mobile "smithy" to offer demonstrations and Bill Pywell provided woodworking demonstrations.

There was also music from the Stiperstones Brass Band and the Wirral Pipe Band and the very rare Ashley's Gallopers Victorian steam-powered carousel.

Mr Hairy the life-like talking doll entertained the crowds as they walked around the showground.

One exhibitor, Peter Gilbert, from Llandrindod Wells in Powys, brought along his vintage police car.

The 58-year-old said he attends the show every year, and loves collecting ex-police cars. "This car was used by Thames Valley Police, and I have worked on it to make it look as genuine as I can," he said.

"This car featured on Inspector Morse at least twice, and it was even involved in a shunt on the M4 during a police chase."

Other classic cars on show included a light blue 1966 VW Beetle, which is owned by Simon Ryder, from Ellesmere.

The 49-year-old said he is a regular exhibitor at classic car shows, and last year sacrificed a summer holiday to take part in these shows across the country.

"In total I own about five or six classic cars, and I really enjoy being able to show them off – but I have had this particular car for seven years."

Mr Ryder's friend Bernard Brett was also at the show with his green Austin-Healey car, which was built by Donald Healey himself for the American Grand Prix.

"This is my pride and joy," said the 49-year-old from Ellesmere. "

Me and Simon did so many shows last year he couldn't go on a summer holiday," he added.

There were also hundreds of vintage tractors on display. Brian Williams, 73, from Plox Green, Minsterley, near Shrewsbury, said it was his first year visiting the show, and he was interested in seeing the tractors.

"As I am a retired farmer I was keen to see all the different tractors," he said. "I don't own one but I wish I did, and I would imagine they are worth a small fortune."

For more information about the show go to www.midshropshirevintageclub.com