CAR enthusiasts enjoyed an organised rally in a County Durham castle's grounds at the weekend.

The Castle Cruise at Witton Castle, near Bishop Auckland, yesterday was aimed at making young men more aware of health issues.

Organiser Carl Bell, young men's health worker for Durham Dales Primary Care Trust, hopes visitors left the event with greater concern for their health including the importance of a balanced diet, exercise and testicular examinations.

Mr Bell, who drives a restored 1989 Volkswagen Golf GTI, said: "Young men are notoriously difficult to engage in any sort of discussion about healthy living and traditional methods, such as inviting them into health clinics, don't always work."

Emergency service crews gave demonstrations and advice ranging from motor security to road safety.

A small number of visitors did go against the venue's rules and drove onto the event field to carry out manoeuvres but co-operated when asked to leave.

Acting community inspector Sara Baxter said: "Generally the event was a success, despite the weather."