Pictures: Lyn Valley Classic is a roaring success

Thousands of people and hundreds of vehicles packed out Sunday’s Lyn Valley Classic car show at Lynton and Lynmouth.

In fact, so popular was the event – which also featured special guests Jodie Kidd and Alice Temperley MBE – there was simply no parking spaces left in the twin villages.

Organiser James Tucker said the annual charity car extravaganza for supercars, classic and vintage vehicles had never been so busy.

He said early estimates suggested anywhere from five to eight thousand people turned out and there were more than 400 vehicles on show.

Above: Car enthusiast, supermodel and rally driver Jodie Kidd checks out a classic car. Credit: James Tucker

It is too early for a final count but it is expected the show has raised something in the region of £20,000 for a variety of local good causes.

Also enjoying the show was car enthusiast, former supermodel and rally driver Jodie Kidd, attending the Lyn Valley Classic with her friend and well-known fashion designer Alice Temperley MB.

Another special guest was local breast cancer survivor and ‘topless runner’ Louise Butcher, who raises funds and body awareness of a double mastectomy by running topless.

Above: Lyn Valley Classic charity champion and ‘topless runner’ Louise Butcher on stage with Jodie Kidd and organisers. Credit: Andy Keeble

James said: “The positives for the show was the sun shone, we had an exceptional selection of cars and huge public support for the event.

“Jodie Kidd said she had a fabulous time and when I spoke to her as she was leaving, she said she would like to come back next year and bring a car this time – she fell in love with Lynton and Lynmouth.”

A rare 1959 Lister-Jaguar racer owned by Phil Lane was Jodie’s chosen car of the day. The car has been in his family since his father bought it in 1969.

Above: Jodie Kidd with Phil Lane and his rare 1959 Lister-Jaguar racer. Credit: James Tucker

The charity champion’s car chosen by Louise was an E-Type Jaguar owned by Andy Gubb from Combe Martin.

James said the event had almost been a victim of its own success, adding: “The downside of its popularity meant we ran out of parking spaces – it was full by lunchtime.

“We do apologise to those who could not get in and we will be looking for more parking outside the villages for next year. We had planned for a big attendance but we had far more than we expected and we will be making plans for next year.

“Thank you to everyone who attended, because without such support from the public and the people who bring their vehicles we would not have an event.

“Thank you also to all our sponsors: Tuckers Legal and Financial Services, the Cliff Railway, Esplanade Fish Bar, Barbrook Filling Station and Tors Park.”

The event’s chosen charities are: North Devon Hospice, Devon Air Ambulance, Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, Tarka Radio, ChemoHero, Support Dogs for Veterans, Minehead Rotary Club, North Devon Against Domestic Abuse, Ilfracombe Community Transport, Ilfracombe Lifeboat RNLI, Blood Bikes and the Fern Centre.

It is not too early to book your car into the event for next year - visit Classics & Sports|Lyn Valley Classic|Lynmouth|Lynton|England