MORE than 2,500 people flocked to the Allington Farm Shop Field on Sunday for the Chippenham Lions' Cherished Vehicle and Farm Fun Day which ended up raising £9,000 for charity.

The sixth edition of the event, run in conjunction with the shop off Sheldon Corner, proved to be a huge success, with attendees enjoying the car show, fairground rides, farm animals and demonstrations, charity and trade stalls and much more.

Although the cherished cars began to arrive at 9am, in an endless stream of old motors, proceedings got underway at around 11am after Chippenham Mayor Mary Norton announced that the event was officially open.

"It was a wonderful day all round and the Chippenham Lions are very grateful to all those who attended and we hope they all had a good day," said Chippenham Lions member Martin Horton.

"It was a hardworking day for us and the culmination of many months of preparation and all Chippenham Lions are proud to have been part of it especially as it has now become an established part of Chippenham life.

"The show has built up over the years with ever more visitors, traders and cars and we estimate that we had about 250 cherished vehicles and more than 50 stall holders.

"The cars themselves, as usual, were meticulously turned out by their proud owners and the early sunshine allowed them to be seen at their best.

"The event was run for charities and initial indications are that the income could be in excess of £9,000 and all the money raised will go to Lions Charities - local, national and international."

This was the second year the Lions had run the The Bob Astwood Memorial Trophy for a cherished vehicle and it was Mike Taylor of the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club who walked away with the trophy for his restored 1934 Jaguar SS Coupe.