THE first Classic Car and Bike Show in Harbutts field helped raise just under £1,500 for charity.

The event had always taken place in Market Field but the change of venue proved to be a successful one for the show.

Dave Thompson, events manager at Middlewich Town Council, was excited for the change before the event and he now feels justified in his decision.

Dave said: “It was certainly a leap of faith moving the show to Harbutts Field after 11 years on Market Field-Civic Way car park but it proved worthwhile for everyone involved in staging the event.

“The change of venue wasn’t good in everyone`s opinion but after using Harbutts Field many times before I was confident it would work for the show.

“Now with so much positive feed-back I feel justified in making the decision and look forward to planning future shows at the new site.

The show which took place from Saturday, July 13 to Sunday, July 14 raised £632 for the nominated charities, Air Ambulance and St Luke’s Hospice and the Ride-Out for St Luke’s, which ended at the show, raised a further £851.

Around 120 motorcyclists and scooterists joined the ninth annual event on Sunday.

Clubs from across Cheshire and North Staffordshire teamed up to help fund care and support for people living with cancer and their families.

Riders raised £796.42 for St Luke's Hospice and also sold £55 worth of car raffle tickets.

Dave Thompson added: “Many thanks to Jim Bean and Stephen Dent for co-ordinating the bikes and cars, to all of the volunteers who helped each day, and to ANSA for giving permission to use the site.

And to Denis Newell for organising the charity Ride-Out and all who took part in it.”

Denis Newell, South Cheshire Motorcycle Club and organiser of the Ride-Out, said: "We were welcomed at Middlewich Classic Car and Motorcycle Show by a warm crowd and we look forward to seeing them, along with more riders next year.”