ROW after of row of highly polished and fine tuned cars, tractors, motorbikes and camper vans stretched out across a County Durham show-ground at the weekend.

Hundreds of motor enthusiasts drove their lovingly restored vehicles to Witton Castle, near Bishop Auckland, for the fourth annual Northern Vintage Transport Association rally.

All types of vehicles and machines spanning the decades from the 1920s to 1980s, were on display at the two-day event, which attracted large crowds on both days.

Star of the event was a 1920s Star Flyer lorry, complete with an authentic load of household items from washing boards to prams, owned by Gordon Calder, of Shildon.

He was presented with the event's main prize, for the best exhibit in the show, after judge Bob Kirton-Darling chose the lorry from an impressive winners' parade of 40 vehicles.

While the event offered older visitors a trip down memory lane, there were also plenty of attractions for the young enthusiasts present.

Brothers Martin and Shaun Gell, aged 16 and ten, kept up a family tradition by showing their 1940 Lister Type D steam-driven water pump, which was left to them by grandfather Gordon Gell, who died two years ago.

The pair, from Saltburn-by-the-Sea, also showed a miniature Freelance General Purpose steam tractor that they have named after the man who fired their passion in steam engines.

Honorary Secretary Sue Davies said: "It was a wonderful rally, the weather was glorious, which certainly helped people have a good time.

"We had between 600 and 700 exhibitors, which was far more than expected, and there has been such as variety of well cared for and interesting items on display, there has been something for everyone."