CREDITON will host its very first car show in the car park of the Tesco store at Wellparks, on the edge of the town on Sunday, March 13.

More than 250 cars from across the country will be attending the event, which will be raising funds for the charities, Help for Heroes, British Heart Foundation, Diabetes UK and a planned local initiative for Crediton.

The event will run from 6pm to 10pm.

Billy Elder, the Founder of Crediton Car Club “Lavish Life” and one of the organisers of the event, is looking forward to the gathering and said: "The response to attend the event has been almost overwhelming, with cars from across the South of England coming down to attend along with clubs from Devon and Cornwall.

“As well as the significant fundraising that we hope will happen, the show is a chance for people to come and have a look at some fantastic cars.

“We also want the public to see that the car scene isn’t all about people roaring up and down the streets with music blaring out and generally causing a disruption.

“There will be cars on show that have, literally, had thousands of pounds spent on them by people who are passionate about their cars and also decry the image that a minority help to perpetrate."

The show will be free for anyone that wants to attend, with food provided at the event by The Red Deer.

There will be a car-themed raffle as well as traders related to the car scene.

Crediton Army Cadets have very kindly supplied some volunteer stewards to help with organisation at the show.

Andrew Drayton, Community Champion for the store, is excited by the event but wanted to assure the people of Crediton who may have concerns about the impact on the town.

"It’s a wonderful opportunity to be able to host an event that will be unique in terms of what Crediton has seen before and we are hopeful that the charities concerned will benefit greatly.

“We will also be using some of the money for a project specific to Crediton which will benefit everybody in the town.

“I’m afraid that I cannot go into details yet as the project is very much in the initial stages but I’m very hopeful that an announcement will be made very shortly after the show," he continued, "regarding the impact on the town, we have, from the very start of the event planning, been working with the relevant authorities to minimise any disruption to the town and it’s residents.

“We want everyone to have a fantastic time but also to be safe and not unduly inconvenienced and we have worked hard to achieve this."

As part of the show, prizes will be given for various categories and the organisers thank those companies that have provided sponsorship and raffle prizes.

The organisers have asked the “Courier” to pass an important message onto those who are thinking of attending to join in the fun.

They said: “We are looking forward to many members of the public attending but, as the car park will be full of show cars, we are very sorry but there will be no parking available for members of the public attending.

“We are very sorry but there will be no parking available for people who are showing up to have a look around.

“If you are arriving in Crediton by car, please make use of the town’s parking facilities and make your way to the Tesco car park on foot.

“There is parking available at: Crediton Railway Station, Crediton United Football Ground Car Park, Lords Meadow Leisure Centre, Market Street And St Saviour’s Way (behind The General Buller pub).

“Your co-operation in this is much appreciated.”

Alan Quick