AN ANNUAL Romsey car show has turned off its engine for the final time and will not be returning this Boxing Day.

Organisers have announced that Romsey's Pre-1976 Boxing Day Car & Bike Meet will not return, as the 2018 show was the last to take place, adding it was a "tough decision".

The event, which was hosted across the town centre since 2002, saw thousands of visitors look at more than 1,000 vehicles each Christmas.

Steve Biddlecombe, the organiser of the event, said: "For 17 years the event has been a huge part of my life.

"It's been amazing over the years watching families, sometimes 3 generations, enjoying the event.

"With just six marshals to cover all the ground and issues we get on the day, there are simply too few of us.

"And finding willing volunteers, with a good classic car and bike knowledge, gets harder each year."

Steve was unable to view as many cars as he would have liked on the day – being a huge car fan himself.

He added: "On top of that we outgrew the current site many years ago and there simply isn't a larger or better one around.

"The numbers of vehicles the event attracts and the overspill of vehicles into the town, has been a great sight to behold but those huge numbers have also made it all become unmanageable.

"I spent most of last year's show around the corner, away from the event, unable to see absolutely anything, due to having to deal with such issues.

"That inconsiderate parking has sadly resulted in a lot of complaints and grief thrown in my direction in recent years."

More than £40,000 was raised for Prostate Cancer UK across the 17 years it took place.

Steve said: "The death of four friends in 2018, my Dad's cancer returning this year, now thankfully in remission, and some health problems also for me, have all influenced my decision."

Steve thanked the marshals that have helped him over the years, as well as all of the visitors which attended every year.