Wimbotsham is one village which postively relishes its role as host to the Fenman Classic Bike Show, which has become one of the most popular rallies in the region.

It started on a small scale 20 years ago and now attracts bikers from all over the country.

In that time it has also raised £55,000 for local charities and the organisers expect to be able to add another four-figure sum to that total as a result of this year’s highly successful day on Monday.

Stuart Cooper, who is one of the organisers, said that at least 1,000 bikes turned up and hundreds more visitors admired the gleaming machines, which included legendary names such as Harley Davidsons, Triumphs, Nortons and BSAs.

“There were a lot of local bikes but we also had some who came from as far away as the Midlands and Yorkshire,” he said.

One long-distance traveller was Mrs Thorne, from Oxford, who won the best bike in show title with her 1935 Coventry Eagle.

Mr Cooper said that around 200 entered the show classes and that the team of five judges had a tough task picking the winners from the line-up in the school playground.

“We also had stalls, including auto-jumble, and charity stalls. The weather was great and there was a terrific atmosphere.”

l right: Septagenarian partners: Ron Pates (70) arrived with his treasured 1936 Norton 16H side-valve bike. 08PM08334

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l BELOW: Bikes and more bikes roll up for the annual show. 08PM08338