A 70-MILE tour of Dorset involving 77 classic cars and a motorcycle raised thousands of pounds for charity.

The 14th Hardy Country Classic Tour, organised by Transport of Yesteryear, proved to be a success yet again.

It set out from Higher Bockhampton and took in the sights of Hardy’s Wessex.

All profits go to the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust.

The cars stopped off for a short static display en-route.

Carle Grahame, chairman of Transport of Yesteryear, said: “The day was a very enjoyable one and proved to be a real success.

“Everyone had a great time.”

He added that the event had seen the largest number of entrants ever to take part in the well established tour.

Finisher certificates were presented to all entrants by the mayor of Chickerell John Dean alongside Mr Grahame.

This year’s tour sponsor was Weatherbury Roofing of Dorchester.

It has raised in excess of £15,000 for a range of good causes from previous tours.

Mr Grahame added: “Following a drivers’ meeting the first car was flagged away at 10am.

“The morning route took them across the county to Evershot, where at the invitation of Lady Charlotte Townshend the cars entered the beautiful grounds of Melbury House to enjoy a lunch stop where hot food was available. “The vehicles left Melbury House at 1.30pm travelling across to the Jurassic coast road back into Weymouth where vehicles started arriving at the Pavilion Theatre forecourt from 2.20pm.”

Transport of Yesteryear’s next charity event is their annual show day on Sunday, June 30 at School Hill in Chickerell in support of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

For further information about the club, future events, membership or how to buy and sell vehicles please visit www.transportofyesteryear.com or call them on 01305 771760.