More than 600 vehicles lined Rutland Showground in Oakham yesterday (Sunday, May 30) for an event that was nearly called off.

Live Promotions hosted its inaugural Classic Wheels event and Colin Ward, who owns the events company, had hoped to get 600 classic cars, trucks and motorbikes. He was absolutely delighted that more than 600 turned up and combined with sunny weather, visitors also flocked to the showground.

But it could have been so different - two weeks ago with bookings low and the rain constantly falling, Colin did consider pulling the plug.

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Hundreds of motors on show at the inaugural Classic Wheels event in Rutland with separation for social distancing. Photo: Alan Walters

"We did seriously consider calling it off but when we looked at the long range forecast, it said it was going to improve and bookings started to go up, so we just hoped for the best," Colin said.

"It was a really good event. Obviously we were blessed with fantastic sunshine but I think people just needed to get out as well. Everyone was following social distancing and sanitising and it was a great atmosphere."

There were traffic delays on the Oakham bypass but Colin said it was not solely down to his event.

"There was sport at the showground and people were using the road to go to other places.

"The showground was really great and opened up another car park for us, so the traffic soon dissipated."

As well as classic cars to admire, there was live music by The Houndogs, who were popular, and a bar provided by sponsor The Grainstore Brewery.

Colin had hoped it would become an annual event but is now considering hosting another similar event later in the summer.

"So many clubs asked us when our next one would be and when we said next May, they were disappointed.

"It's a very sociable thing and all the local clubs know each other. I think they enjoyed seeing each other so we may look to hold another one later this year.

"Watch this space!"