FOR once, visitors to the Eden Valley were overjoyed to see the roads clogged with Easter weekend traffic as vintage vehicles from across the UK rolled into Kirkby Stephen.

More than 200 old cars, tractors, lorries and buses took part in the 9th Easter Classic Commercial Vehicle Rally which was held in Kirkby Stephen and Brough and hundreds of antique engine enthusiasts made their way to the area to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the popular annual event.

Organiser Roger Frank, from Raisebeck, said that the Eden rally was a great opener to a busy classic car show season.

"It has become very popular event because there is so much to see and visitors can jump on a bus for a free ride between all the different sites. It is also very good for the town and there is not a spare room to be had in any of the guest houses," said Mr Frank.

It was also the first outing of the year for his half-size replica of a 1928 Foden steam lorry.

"It was great to fire it up again for the first event of the year. There is something about the smell of oil and coal which is unique," said Mr Frank.

There was a fantastic festival atmosphere as visitors enjoyed the early summer sunshine and browsed the many stalls, exhibits and took a ride at the traditional fairground which added a splash of colour to the Market Square.

Every inch of the Kirkby Stephen and Brough was taken over by classic vehicles including, in Kirkby Stephen, the auction mart, the rugby club and Stainmore Railway yard.

John Grainger made the trip up to Eden from Heywood in Lancashire to show off his rare 1967 Austin J2.

"It was originally a mini bus but when we got it the seats were taken out so we converted it into a camper van. It is quite rare and it is one of only six in the country. I really like this event as there is a good friendly atmosphere and it is easy to just hop on one of the buses and visit the other sites," said Mr Grainger.

Gordon Spragg from Tebay was busy preparing his 1960 Series 2 Land Rover for a trip to Europe with his family.

"It used to be an Ambleside builder's van and I've had it since a 1970. I've converted it into a camper van and we are taking it for a trip on the continent for the first time this summer. This is the second time we've come to Kirkby Stephen and it is a great event as everything is free for visitors and at most other places you have to pay," said Mr Spragg.