SOMEONE said they had been going to Morchard Bishop Vintage Rally and Family Fun Day for at least 20 years and this year’s event was probably the best.

It was opened by Chris Sargeant, who retired last month as headteacher at Morchard Bishop C of E Primary School after almost 12 years.

Village organisations all did their bit either running a stall, such as the Women’s Institute and the Parish Church, or members of Emmanuel Methodist Church who ran the barbecue and sold out.

Lots of cars, tractors and motorbikes were lined up and under the trees people could meet hens, donkeys and other animals.

Best in Show and winning the Ian Robinson memorial cup as well as best in the commercial vehicle class was the 1954 Chevrolet 3100 pick-up owned by Owen Beardon of Winkleigh.

Judged best among and tractors was the 1950 David Brown Cropmaster owned by Ray Colton of South Molton,

Best among the static engines was the 1892 Crossley gas engine of Keith White of Sandford and the best car that day was the 1946 Morris Series E owned by Ian Rayment of Halsdon in Devon.

The day was run by Morchard Bishop Playing Field Association which has plans to double the size of the play area where new equipment has been installed, encouraging much greater use of the area by families, some picnicking there.

Members of Mid Devon Tractor Engine and Machinery Group who meet at Morchard in the autumn and winter, the Mazda MX5 Family and Friends group, donkeys from Lindfield, the care farm on Morchard Road, stalls with plants, books, a display of old implements, Terry Moules with his ever-popular and fun ferret racing plus plenty of parking space all added to a brilliant afternoon.