A DAZZLING display of historic vehicles jump-started a club's 30th birthday celebrations.

The North-East Military Vehicle Club, which was formed in 1972, staged its annual show in the grounds of The Durham Light Infantry Museum and Durham Art Gallery over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Club spokesman Tony Marshall said it was an ideal way to mark its 30th anniversary.

"The DLI show is the highlight of the club's year," he said.

"As always, there was a varied display of over 60 Allied vehicles from the Second World War up to the present day, with the emphasis on British types.

"This year was extra special as it marked the 30th anniversary of the formation of the club by Rod Elgy and a small group of mainly Jeep-owning enthusiasts.

"Since 1972, the membership has grown to about 200, and we have our own museum in Exhibition Park, Newcastle."

The 29th annual rally, run in conjunction with Durham County Council on Sunday and yesterday, included two rare prototype vehicles - the Vickers Valkyrie armoured personnel carrier, which is the only known model of its type in private ownership; and the latest prototype of the multi-drive cargo vehicle.

Other exhibits included two Vickers 3.7 anti-aircraft guns, a wartime medical unit and a working field kitchen.