A DISPLAY this weekend of armoured might heralds the start of 30th birthday celebrations for the region's military vehicle enthusiasts.

The North-East Military Vehicle Club was formed in 1972 and the following year staged the first of what has become an annual show in the grounds of the DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery, Durham, during the August Bank Holiday weekend.

As it marks the start of the 30th anniversary celebrations, the club has lined up an array of big guns to entertain visitors this weekend.

Club stalwart Tony Marshall said: "As always, there will be a varied display of over 60 allied vehicles from the Second World War up to the present day, with the emphasis on British makes."

The 29th rally, on Sunday and Monday, will also see two prototype vehicles, the Vickers Valkyrie armoured personnel carrier and the multi-drive cargo vehicle on show.

There will also be a working Second World War searchlight, which has just returned from a display in Belgium.

The rally runs from 10am to 4pm on both days, with admission and parking free. Refreshments will be available in the adjoining DLI museum, which will be open throughout the weekend, from 10am to 5pm, with a family tickets for two adults and two children costing £6.50.