ROMSEY’s Boxing Day’s classic car and bike show has been hailed as the best ever.

Organiser Steve Biddlecombe – who dedicated this year’s show to his late mother Pam, who died of cancer in September – said so many exhibitors turned up there was a shortage of parking places for them to display their vehicles.

Steve said the event raised more than £2,873 for Prostate Cancer UK, a record amount.

“The weather Gods were on our side and we had a frosty and beautiful sunny morning,” said Steve.

“Cars and bikes started arriving very early and one car park was nearly full before the official start time. By 10am, with the whole area littered with classic vehicles, not a space could be found anywhere on site and sadly we had to start directing incoming classics to the Market Place, public car parks or do a loop or two as some of the early arrivals began to leave, making spaces available,” said Steve, who has staged the popular show for twelve years.

He added: “Something that we hadn’t bargained for was the sheer number of spectators that came to the meet, which for a short time made it difficult for us to let cars into car parks, simply because the crowds were so big.”

Looking at the cars and bikes entered in the show, Steve said all three car parks (Romsey Bus Station, Aldi and Crosfield Hall) were full of what he described as “the most eclectic mix of vehicles” anyone could wish to see.

“Smiling faces created a happy vibe as petrol heads and spectators mingled and marvelled at the stunning, the often rare and sometimes inventive vehicles in front of them. With vehicles coming from as far away as Northampton, London, Guildford, Poole and Chichester, this year, once again surpassed previous years in number of vehicles,” said a delighted Steve, who estimated that more than 700 classic cars owners and around 200 motorcycles enthusiast turned up at the show to display their vehicles.

He said rarities at the show included a 1909 Paterson, a 1949 Allard, two Lancia Fulvias, a standard 1948 Plymouth which was parked next to a customised 1948 Plymouth.

Steve said the event even attracted tractors and a “stunning array” of classic British motorcycles.

A Dennis bus and a Rolls- Royce Silver Cloud were also in the line-up.