Cars are the stars at annual parade (From The Oxford Times)

Cars are the stars at annual parade

12:10pm Tuesday 15th May 2012 in Wallingford By Andrew Ffrench , covering Didcot and Wallingford. Call me on 01865 425425

A CONVOY of Britain’s best-loved vehicles paraded through Wallingford for the town’s annual celebration of motoring.

Much-loved brands from Rolls-Royce to Mini featured in this year’s Wallingford Vehicle Rally and Parade on Sunday.

They left Wallingford Sports Park in Hithercroft Road at 11am to tour the town, making their way past admiring glances to Kinecroft.

Now in its eighth year, the show has raised thousands for charity, with Oxfordshire children’s bereavement charity SeeSaw among those to benefit this year.

Dave Waters, 70, from Wroughton, Wiltshire, who brought his 1971 Morris Minor van, said: “This is the first rally we have been able to get to this year because the weather has been so terrible but it was lovely weather.”

He said: “It was great to see so many drivers out with their classic cars.

“Kids love my van because it’s an old postal van and it makes them think of Postman Pat’s van.”

Event deputy chairman Neal Reed said: “The weather has been great and we had a fantastic day with about 2,500 visitors.

“All the traders were very happy and we have had a bigger range of cars than ever before.

“We’ve had MGs, Triumphs, lots of classics cars, a steam traction engine and one or two motorbikes.”

Mike Brewer, presenter of TV shows Wheeler Dealers and Wrecks to Riches, joined regular host and former town councillor Marcus Harris.

Families took the chance to enjoy a ride in classics like the Ferrari 355, an Aston Martin DB7 and Subaru Impreza for a donation to charity.

Children also enjoyed face painting and crafts and a penalty shootout organised by Crowmarsh Football Club.