CAR enthusiasts braved the rain to attend the annual vintage and specialist car rally held at Tredegar House and Park yesterday.

Now in its 33rd year, the event is organised by the Gwent Branch of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, which was founded in 1979. The annual rally has grown to become one of the biggest of its kind in the whole of the UK, raising £52,000 last year and a total of £760,000 since it was first launched.

Event organisers said they had expected 1,500 entries and around 10,000 visitors but that numbers were down this year because of the bad weather.

Branch chairwoman, Mandy Womack, said: “If the weather was good we were hoping to reach 10,000 visitors but the rain has affected the turn-out .”

“There were still plenty of exhibitors, supporters and visitors coming in and they were well-prepared with wellies and brollies to see an array of vintage and classic cars and motorcycles, commercial vehicles, tractors and military vehicles.”

As well as the vehicles on display there were stalls, a craft marquee, children’s climbing wall and a display by the Rockwood Dog Display Team and a parade of vehicles in the main arena.

Among the exhibitors were David and Jacqueline Jones, of Malpas, who brought along their 1958 Morgan Series 1 4/4.

The couple have been coming to the rally for 20 years and are members of the Morgan Car Club.

Mr Jones, a retired engineer, said: “This is a great event to come to. It’s a shame the rain has put some people off coming out.”

Colin Harris, of Chepstow, was showing his 1963 Morris 1000.

Mr Harris, 59, who is a member of the Gwent Classic Car Club, has been coming to the rally since 1987.

He said: “We having been coming here for three years and think it’s important to support the cause.”

Brothers Douglas, 57, and Alistair Howells, 46, of Langstone attracted attention with their Sunbeam 25 1934 and Austin seven Ulster Special.

Douglas said: “This is by far the best show of the year.”

Nyria Stanley’s elegant 1935 Rolls-Royce 20 was among the highlights. Mrs Nyria of New Inn, Pontypool said the vintage vehicle was first owned by Lord Ennisdale, chairman of the Harrier Fighter Planes during World War Two.

Among the visitors were Tim and Jane Lewis, of White Avenue, Newport who brought along their children twins Rhys and Tomos, seven and Seren, nine.

He said: “It’s nice to come and see all the cars and have a look around.”

Tony Adams, 79, of Devon Place, Newport, said: “This is a fantastic event. I particularly enjoy seeing the Jaguars and the Rolls Royce.”