BEAUTIFUL weather and stunning cars greeted thousands to the second annual Skipton Car Show.

Cars and motorbikes started arriving at around 6am on Sunday for the event which kicked off at 10am, taking over the entire length of the closed High Street.

The around 200 cars varied from a 1980s Volkswagen Polo to a 1949 Buick Roadmaster, which had been lovingly restored and was one of the stars of the show. Simon Mudd, who drove it over from Bradford with his dad, Leonard, said it was surprisingly easy to drive.

Pointing out that the VW Polo, parked close by, would fit into his boot, he said: "It is about the size of a Range Rover, but it has no power steering, so you do need big arms to drive it."

Eagle-eyed movie fans will also have spotted Tom Cruise driving a Buick Roadmaster in Rain Man, in which he starred with Dustin Hoffman.

There were also massive American trucks covered in shiny chrome, an American police car and Caterham sports cars.

A demonstration by the fire service of how they release people trapped in a car drew a large crowd and Alex Riley carried out the auction of donated goods.

A group of bikers from The Royal British Legion Riders Branch were among the first to turn up, putting up their stall outside the Castle pub.

The branch, which is open to all, whether members have been in the services, or not, aims to raise the profile of the RBL at rallies, track days and bike shows.

Mark Jenner, from Ilkley, said he was having a wonderful time. "This is the first time I've been, and there's so much to see. The weather is brilliant as well, which helps, but it's a really enjoyable event, I just love looking at all the cars I can remember wanting when I was growing up."

Organiser and self-confessed massive petrol head Jason Smith said he was delighted with the turnout.

Money raised from the event will go to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.