MORE than 200 classic cars, bikes and military vehicles are gearing up to roll into a village near Bicester.

The area will be brimming with historic motors as the Blackthorn Classic Car Show returns on Sunday.

Organisers are expecting visitor numbers to beat last year with about 2,000 people heading along to look at a host of motoring attractions.

One of the organisers, Keith Crampton, said: "To date we have 185 classic vehicles registered, including cars, tractors, bikes, military and commercial vehicles, and expect to have around 250 in total on the day.

"We anticipate total visitors – those with classic vehicles as well as members of the public – to be about 1,700 to 2,000."

The family day will include a host of activities for all ages including prizes for the oldest, the most interesting history, the one that has travelled the furthest and the vehicle the celebrity guest would most like to take home.

This year's celebrity is Radio 2 presenter Alex Lester who will be handing out the prizes.

Elsewhere on the eight-acre showground – provided by Michael and Jean Cross and their family – there will be a range of craft and trade stands, a restored Gavioli Fairground Organ, a live jazz quartet and bouncy castles.

There will also be a real rally experience and a show pub called The Piston Head.

Mr Crampton added: "Last year we had 204 vehicles on the showground and a total of some 1,300 visitors.

"We raised just over £6,300, which paid for a village defibrillator – which eight villagers are now trained to use – and a new heating boiler for a very cold village hall."

This year the money raised at the show is going towards The Hummingbird Cancer Support and Therapy Centre in Launton along with local community projects.

It will run from 11am and continue to about 5pm with a host of stalls, vehicles and activities to entertain families throughout the day.

Tickets are £5 for adults and £1 for children under 16, with family tickets available for £10 and a free colour programme.

Public and disabled parking is available next to the showground in Lower Road, Blackthorn.

For more information see facebook.com/Blackthornclassiccarshow and a website at blackthornclassiccarshow.co.uk