MORE than 400 exhibitors — including over 100 cars of various shapes, sizes and of course ages, and then tractors, bikes, commercial and military vehicles — arrived at Bradworthy Transport Museum for a Vehicle Extravaganza recently.

The weather was not overly kind but such was the real buzz around the site that no-one seemed to really notice.

The scale of the extravaganza in the first year was very impressive and museum owner Ken Wilson admitted: "There were times I was afraid we had tried too much too soon. The thing is though that the event was backed by some very special people, enthusiast friends who were absolutely determined to make this work. Actually I really want to thank them, publicly, because without their hard work we couldn't have held this event."

In fact several car and bike clubs turned up en masse which added a real community feel to the event and meant too that at every turn there were experts on hand to discuss their cherished vehicles and compare notes.

Ken is very keen to

support local charities and chose to host the raffle, with over 25 prizes

generously given by local businesses for the benefit of the Devon Air Ambulance and Children's Hospice South West. The raffle raised around £250 which Ken has personally topped up to enable a donation of £200 to each charity.

The many general visitors also found on hand plenty of refreshments, auto jumble, clothing, plants and a craft tent with wood turning products and a fascinating model 'farm' completely made by hand.

There is already interest and chat about a similar event next year, and Ken added: "I'm looking forward to it. I'm pretty sure next year is a date; so many people have approached me and I would be afraid to disappoint them!"