A REBORN vintage event has proven to be a huge success among exhibitors and visitors alike.

The Market Lavington Vintage Meet and Family Fun event attracted hundreds to the village at the weekend raising funds for Wiltshire Air Ambulance and local projects.

For many years John Kyte organised steam shows at the Elisha Field and last year the local parish council was asked to recreate these events.

Parish Council chairman Colin Osborn said: “A year ago we were asked to put on this event but we weren’t sure whether we would be able to get the help we would need to put on the show to attract people to display their exhibits and attract visitors.We wanted to raise money for local causes and got together interested people and staged the Vintage Meet Family Fun Weekend, a steep learning curve, but a success.”

Among those bringing their prized exhibits was Ray Sissins, of Hinton, who was showing the 1963 Hillman Minx family car from his childhood.

He said: “This car was laid up in a barn for many, many years and was twice going to be scrapped. Luckily, it wasn’t and I have renovated this car that I have fond memories of and is now back in use showing at these types of event and recently used in classic tours.”

Retired motorcycle mechanic Mike Wilkinson, of Chippenham, brought to the show his Trifield bike- a machine he made from a Royal Enfield frame and a Triumph Tiger engine - and used at trials events.

He said: “Constructing this machine was a labour of love and now I am quite successful in the sport of Trials which I only took up when I was fifty-seven.”

Apart from hundreds of vintage cars, commercials and bicycles on show was a range of stands reflecting history.

Reg Dawson, of Wotton Bassett, was exhibiting a living history display of the American cowboy in the 1880s. He said: “It all started by watching Westerns on TV as a kid and became fascinated with the life of a cowboy.”

The Trustees of Market Lavington Museum displayed a range of photos showing how the village used to look years ago.

Trustee Mike Allen said;” Its important we keep these artefacts showing the heritage of the village.”

Praising the show was another famous face, Kooky the Clown from nearby Easterton.

He said: “This is my local show and it’s one of the best I attend with such a friendly atmosphere.”