LYDIARD house and lake provided a stunning location for a display that showcased some of the most iconic cars.

The Auto and Retro Festival was blessed with warm sunshine until the early afternoon when showers hit.

Organiser Russ Topham said: “It went very well considering the weather. We managed to miss most of the showers until about 2.30pm.”

A total of 170 cars were booked for the exhibition and the majority of their owners were so keen to show off their pride and joy the weather forecast failed to put them off.

“We had lots of happy traders, so we can’t complain. It is the third year of the event and we probably did better last year but the weather was on our side then," he said.

"That’s something we can’t control. The sun broke through the clouds between 11am and 1pm and it was fabulous. The public that came had a good time.”

He also paid tribute to the staff of the house who helped to stage the show.

“The house made it,” he said. “It was a lovely backdrop.”

Among the stars of the show were a vintage SS Jaguar and an Austin Seven. Members of different clubs from around the region were also out in force with Hillman Imps, VWs, Aston Martins and AC Cobras. There were also a few American classics including a Corvette Stingray.

Local car dealers brought some of their latest models for visitors to examine as they wandered around club stands, car memorabilia stalls and vintage tea room.

Adding to the atmosphere was the Pocket Orchestra, which played swing music for much of the day and encouraged festival-goers to have a dance.