WET and windy conditions failed to stop the 26th Otley Vintage Transport Extravaganza.

Although visitor numbers were down on previous years, plenty of people still made the effort to attend and enjoy the event on Sunday, September 10.

Organiser and Town Mayor Councillor Nigel Francis estimates that between 400 and 500 vehicles - a mixture of classic cars, lorries, motorbikes, military vehicles and more - took part.

He said: "There wasn't as many people as usual but credit to all those who did turn up, all the car and vehicle owners and everyone else.

"The field was very wet but we managed to still stage it, which was the main thing - we had people ringing from Lancashire and all over asking if it was still on because their local events had been cancelled.

"And we didn't get anything stuck apart, ironically, from one steamroller that had come over to help.

"So it went reasonably well, it was just a shame we couldn't control the weather.

"Some of the entertainment had to be cut down a bit but we just had to plough on and we still had some dancing and gymnastics, and two sets from the City of Leeds Pipe Band.

"Most of the stallholders and car boot sellers turned up too, and our MP, Alex Sobel and former MP Greg Mulholland both came down which was nice."

Mr Sobel (Lab, Leeds North West) said: "I very much enjoyed my time at the extravaganza.

"It was a brilliant community atmosphere and the cars were spectacular - my son wished I could drive him home in one!

"I can only congratulate the astounding work of Nigel Francis for making it happen."

Cllr Francis, meanwhile, is hoping to recruit more volunteers to help with next year's rally - and other local events.

He said: "There is a problem in Otley in that only a handful of people are really doing the work to run a lot of community events, and most of them are getting on a bit.

"We've got to, as a town, get a younger volunteer team sorted out that can help out with lots of different things - if anyone is interested please contact me."

Cllr Francis can be contacted by sending an e-mail to: nigelfrancis@btinternet.com or calling (01943) 463467.

Proceeds from this year's transport extravaganza will go to his 14+1 town mayor's charity appeal.