Thousands turned up to ogle an array of gleaming motorbikes, trikes and classic cars at a popular annual event.

Enthusiasts travelled from miles around to see the spectacle of dozens of classic machines.

Between 3,000 and 4,000 visitors visited the event, held in London Road, Vange, to have a look at the selection of old vehicles on display.

They included John Thorpe's 50-year-old Morrison Electricar, which was once owned by Basildon Dairy, an Austin Berkeley and a 1967 Triumph Bonneville motorbike.

Competitions were held to find the best motors, with the star of the show judged to be a 1970 Corvette Stingray.

The third Chalky White memorial trophy was presented in memory of Southend's most famous biker.

Altogether, between 50 and 60 auto jumble stalls were set up, between 80 and 100 cars were on display and 30 to 40 trikes.

A further 70-odd motorbikes were on show.

The day was hailed a great success, with organisers now looking forward to another event on August bank holiday.

Lotta bottle - John Thorpe in a Morrison Electricar

(RIght) Six pack - Steve Bryant, from Benfleet, with his Austin Six

Easy riders - Alan Marchant and John Wall on their machines

(Below right)Three-wheel wonder - Paul Madigan, from Southend, on a trike

Pictures: STEVE O'CONNELL

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.