A CAVALCADE of classic cars from across the world drove into the region as part of a nationwide tour.

A total of 65 vehicles of all shapes and sizes arrived in Stokesley market place on Wednesday, in a journey recreating a part of British motoring history.

Cars from the past 100 years are participating in the 1,000-Mile Trial, a two-week tour retracing the 1,000-mile trial of 1900, to celebrate the centenary of Vauxhall Motors.

Vehicles taking part include a 1911 Prince Henry - the oldest car to drive the whole route - as well as a 1932 Vauxhall Cadet, 1952 Velox E and 1963 Cresta PB.

Vauxhall chairman Kevin Wale said: "The original trial of 1900 was designed to prove that the car was the transport of the future."

Classic Vauxhall cars have been shipped from around the world for the event, with seven coming from the Vauxhall Owners' Club of Australia, three from Switzerland, six from Holland, two from Sweden and two from Denmark.

The original trial of 1900 was the inspiration of Claude Johnson, secretary of the Automobile Club of Great Britain, and was designed to prove to a sceptical British public that the car was a reliable and practical mode of transport.

Many motoring historians argue that it was the most important public demonstration of the motor vehicle to date.