THOUSANDS of people filled the 60-acre grounds of Kimbolton Castle on Sunday to enjoy the 15th annual Country Fayre and charity classic car show. Attractions included a craft fair, 1,000 classic and vintage cars, gift and charity stalls and live mus

THOUSANDS of people filled the 60-acre grounds of Kimbolton Castle on Sunday to enjoy the 15th annual Country Fayre and charity classic car show.

Attractions included a craft fair, 1,000 classic and vintage cars, gift and charity stalls and live music in the beer tent.

Other activities included a sheep dog display, a performance from St Neots Sentinels Majorettes, Punch and Judy and Coton Morris Dancers.

The event, which is supported by The Sporting Bears Motor Club and Kimbolton Castle Rotary Club, is expected to have raised £18,000 for Cancer Research UK, Deafblind, and Samuel Pepys School, St Neots. Over the past 10 years the fayre has raised £100,000 for charity.

Each year the cars are the stars of the show. At the weekend, the cars which attracted the largest crowds included a display of 1940s Minis, a 1931 Austin Seven Box Saloon, a collection of Ford Capris and a Lamborghini Countach.

One of the oldest cars at the fayre was a 1935 Lanchester LA10, owned by Pete Howard from Bedford, who purchased the car for £2,000 in 1983.

The car, which has a 1203cc engine and has only covered 58,000 miles, is unrestored and has its original paint work and leather seats.

"The car had been on blocks for 17 years before I purchased it and it had hardly been used so it was in really good condition," he said. "In 1935 the car would have retailed at £350 and second hand in 1939 it would have cost £110. Today I've got it insured for £7,500."

Another car that caught the eye was a 1947, 2.5 litre Jaguar SS (Sports Saloon), owned by Alan Filby from Stevenage.

Mr Filby is the second owner of the car, having bought it in 1995.

"This car is extra special because the Sports Saloon shell stopped being made when the war started and it was never made again," said Mr Filby.

The car, which has only covered 60,000 miles, has never been restored and has all its original features including a working radio and sunroof.

INFORMATION: To find out more visit www.countryfayre.info