VINTAGE car enthusiasts from across the country were out in force in Wharfedale last weekend.

They were competing in the Ilkley District Motor Club Jubilee Classic Car Rally which was being run for the first time in the new Millennium.

The fuel crisis in 2000 and the Foot and Mouth outbreak last year had meant that the rally had not been staged since 1999.

But that didn't deter the owners who returned in force for the event sponsored by the Classic Car Group, Otley.

A total of 45 cars took to the start line and 44 reached the finish after around 150 miles of motoring.

Experienced rally followers had the chance to drool over famous marques such as the Mini Coopers, Jowetts, Porsches and Cortinas as they did battle.

The oldest car in the race was a 1947 Vauxhall driven by Maurice Jennings. He was accompanied by Richard Adams.

But spare a thought for the Welsh duo of Idris Jones and Dave Thomas. They had an extremely slow journey after their Volvo Amazon got stuck in first gear early in the drive.

The glorious sunny weather added to the occasion as the vintage cavalcade headed out of Pool Mills and headed via Skipton to Coniston.

After a lunch break they returned via Masham and Pateley Bridge to Otley.

Organiser Henry Carr said: "It was a great feeling seeing the vehicles make their way through Wharfedale.

"It was a tremendous entry and the sunshine was the added bonus. It just made the day.

"I always need a little time to draw breath after the event before planning ahead but I can already confirm that we will be holding the rally again next year."

That's a decision that will meet with approval in motor clubs the length and breadth of the country.

Top honours went to the Cumbria duo of Ian Knowles and Neil Harrison in a Mark 1 Ford Escort.

They finished 30 seconds ahead of the north east duo of Ron Roughead and Ian Canavan in a 1965 Ford Cortina. Third were Paddy Jones and Tony Longstaff of Cleveland in a similar car.

The best local performers were Otley's Hazel and Nick Pullan. They guided their Hillman Imp Deluxe into sixth place.

In the event for clubmen there was a victory for Hull's Stephen Wood and Derek Tucker in a Cooper S.

Ilkley members Stan and Jean Appleton produced a fine display in their Austin A40 to take fourth place.

Henry Kitching, one of the organisers said: "It was a real delight to get the event back and running again. We received terrific support from across the country. It made all the hard work so worthwhile."