CLASSIC car drivers went an extra mile yesterday to give hospice patients a trip back in time.

Vintage cars which arrived at the Butterwick Hospice at Bishop Auckland, County Durham, collected patients for a short drive to nearby Witton Castle, where fans of historic vehicles meet for a two-day rally next weekend.

Dennis Morgan, from Toronto, near Bishop Auckland, has organised the outing for the past three years, recruiting fellow members of the Northern Vintage Transport Association (NVTA) to act as drivers.

Gordon Calder, from Shildon, County Durham, had the oldest vehicle on show, a four-ton 1930 Star Flyer wagon.

Also at the hospice were Bill Hutchinson, from Evenwood, Bishop Auckland, who took his 1968 Ford Cortina 1300 Deluxe; his brother, Alan, also from Evenwood, who drove a 1958 Wolsey 6/90; Kevin Ainsley, from Spennymoor, County Durham, with a 1961 Ford Consul Mk2; Ernie Guy, who drove from Sunderland in his 1953 Morris MO; and Dave Bond, from Spennymoor, who has a 1962 Hillman Super Minx.

Mr Morgan raises funds for the hospice by selling a diary of NVTA events. He said: "This is the fourth year I have organised the ride out and the patients really look forward to it now."

Vehicles from places including Cumbria, Lincolnshire, Manchester and North Northumberland will be at Witton Castle next Saturday and Sunday, from 10am to 4pm.