Le Touquet motorists arrive in Witney for vintage car rally

A celebratory atmosphere greeted the 20 vehicles as they parked up outside the Corn Exchange after completing their 221-mile trip from the French seaside town.

Exotic manufacturers such as Jaguar and Bugatti were on display, with many in the West Oxfordshire town keen to take a closer look.

The rally is the first ever '1er Rallye du Jumelage', which was created following the success of the biannual Twin Town Challenge between Blenheim Palace and Le Touquet.

It was organised by the Touquet Automobiles de Collection Club and drivers from Witney's twin town were greeted with tea and reception at the town hall.

Those present were treated to renditions of God Save the Queen and La Marseillaise, the French national anthem, from Le Touquet trumpeter Andre Vrel.

Several events have been taking place before motorists return to the driving seat for the long trip across the channel tomorrow.

Last night cars were lined up outside Cafe Rouge on Marriott's Close for an evening of food, music and entertainment.

This evening St Mary's Church is hosting a barn dance from 6.30pm, with an auction, a raffle and music by local band Fiddle and Squeeze.

The rally is raising money West Oxfordshire charity SpecialEffect, which uses video games and technology to enhance the quality of life of people with disabilities.

Residents in the town are providing accommodation for their French friends and showing them around West Oxfordshire during their stay.

The event follows the exodus of 100 movie-themed cars from Blenheim Palace to Le Touquet for the Twin Town Challenge 2018 over last month's Bank Holiday weekend.

This year's challenge smashed its fundraising target of £350,000 and is aiming to reach half a million, with a final figure to be revealed at 'Le Grand Ball' at Heythrop Park on September 7.

After Monday's arrival proved more popular than expected, the Witney & District Twinning Association will attempt to hold a return rally in the near future.