MORE than 140 veteran vehicles trundled along the region’s country roads yesterday, as the Beamish Run returned for another test of motoring reliability and endurance.

However, one of its star attractions was unable to join the run after the car belonging to the Earl of Strathmore – the Queen’s first cousin once removed – broke down.

An array of much-loved cars lined up for the 39th rally and, with the sun shining along much of the route for most of the day, spectators enjoyed waving the drivers past and marking off their race cards.

Organiser George Jolley said: “I think it’s gone very well. The weather has been pretty kind.”

The 150-mile route takes in some of County Durham and North Yorkshire’s most picturesque spots, including Wolsingham, Barnard Castle and England’s highest pub at Tan Hill.

The runners and riders thankfully had no problems crossing the notoriously deceptive Stanhope Ford, in Weardale, with many choosing the alternative bridge route, and those who braved the River Wear emerging unscathed.

As always, much attention focused on the village green in Bainbridge, North Yorkshire, where vehicles are parked up for an hour-long lunch stop.

Following an 11-year gap, the run – which is open to vehicles built before 1956 – once again began and ended at Beamish Museum, near Stanley, County Durham.

Museum director Richard Evans took part as a passenger in a 1930 Ford model ‘A’ driven by Dave Knotts, of Ryton, near Gateshead.

He said: “It was fantastic. It was great to see lots of people out marking off their cards.

“The run is a great link between the museum and the community, and I think going forward it’s very important that we support it.”

Mr Jolley said: “We’re so pleased to be back at Beamish Museum. There was bags of room and we felt very welcome again.”

However, there was disappointment for Michael Fergus Bowes-Lyon, the Earl of Strathmore – whose 1953 Bentley R-Type was unable to start the route.

Mr Jolley said: “He made it, but the exhaust pipe cracked, so he couldn’t start. He was disappointed and I was so sad for him because he was mad keen to go. He’s a very pleasant chap and he took it very philosophically.”