The Aveton Gifford Classic Car Show proved to be a great success, despite the huge amount of rainfall in the days leading up to the event.

On the morning of the show the field was full of water, potentially turning the playing fields in Aveton Gifford into a mudbath. However, local farmers came to the ­rescue by providing huge bales of straw, which were duly scattered across the field.

While the field was being prepared, the beautiful ­classic cars were stacking up in nearby car parks and the village’s lanes, but as sunshine appeared, organisers were able to admit 103 cars in time for opening the show to the public.

People arrived in such numbers that the organisers feared even more mud, but the ground and straw held out as the sky cleared.

The Aveton Gifford show is unique in the classic car calendar: there are no competitions, no loudspeakers, no loud music and no bar. This makes for a friendly, relaxed event in which to enjoy the vehicles and talk to their owners.

In the end more than 1,000 adults and children were admitted through the gates. Including the proceeds from the raffle, the show raised more than £4,000 this year. The money will be used for the benefit of children’s ­projects in the village, including funds for the primary school’s swimming pool, the village tennis court and ­junior cricket equipment.

Show organiser Tony Porter said: ‘After an anxious few days, we’re thrilled to have put on one of our most successful shows in nine years. This is due to the supreme efforts of over 30 citizens, who gave up their bank holiday for the benefit of our lovely village.

‘Without their cheerful help we couldn’t have done it. I want to take this opportunity to thank them all.’