THE smell of petrol hung over Bromyard on the weekend as the town held a new festival.

Engines roared as all vehicles great and small made their way around a racetrack through the narrow streets on Sunday.

Thousands turned up to watch around 100 vintage cars, including Sir Malcolm Campbell's record breaking Sunbeam Bluebird, show some of the best in mechanical engineering.

Organisers of the Bromyard's Festival of Speed wanted to celebrate the region's rich motoring history. The chairmen of the Austin, Bean and Morgan all lived locally while parts for Morgan three wheelers were made in the town by the Pettifer family.

While the loudest action took place on the town centre circuit, visitors also enriched their knowledge by viewing displays put on by many local groups - including the Leominster Classic Motorcycle Club.

And the Ledbury Motorcycle Club were also present on the day to promote other events within the motoring calendar - starting with Sunday's meeting of the Ledbury Leader at Sparrington Farm in Pencombe. The grasstrack event, which will support St Michael's Hospice, is one of three dates in the club's diary this year.