A bumper crowd enjoyed the sight of about 400 classic vehicles at Stody Lodge Gardens in north Norfolk.

Eastern Daily Press: Images of the Stody Classic Vehicle Day. Pictures: Stody Lodge GardensImages of the Stody Classic Vehicle Day. Pictures: Stody Lodge Gardens (Image: Archant)

Visitors enjoyed a sunshine-filled afternoon of motors, homemade teas by the Aylsham Care Trust and spectacularly colourful gardens.

The award for Vehicle of the Day at the Stody Classic Vehicles Day on Sunday, May 12 was presented to Ronald Loomes for his 1936 MG PB Airline Coupe.

The car was chosen by the judges, Peter Thomas of the Norwich MG Owners' Club, and David Johnson of the Broadland MG Owners' Club, for its superb condition and rarity value.

Mr Thomas said: "This car is one of only 16 of this type built and is believed to be the only one on UK roads today.

Eastern Daily Press: Images of the Stody Classic Vehicle Day. Pictures: Stody Lodge GardensImages of the Stody Classic Vehicle Day. Pictures: Stody Lodge Gardens (Image: Archant)

"It is much travelled and has a fascinating history. Originally sold by a MG dealer in Newcastle the car was then sold on after a few years to somebody in Scotland.

"No record of where the car went from there until 2001 when it was purchased by a Japanese tycoon who had the car totally rebuilt in the UK before shipping it to Japan.

"It was then returned to the UK before reaching Australia and then Sweden where it was kept in a museum. It was finally returned to the UK and Ronald purchased it in 2016."

Mr Johnson added: "It is excellent to see such a rare car kept in its original condition and used so regularly."

Eastern Daily Press: Images of the Stody Classic Vehicle Day. Pictures: Stody Lodge GardensImages of the Stody Classic Vehicle Day. Pictures: Stody Lodge Gardens (Image: Archant)

The day was part of a series of events taking place at Stody Lodge Gardens in May.

Next up is a pop-up stand by Witts Design, a mother-daughter traditional screen printing company based on Stody Estate.

Michelle and Stephanie Witts have created a selection of homeware and gift card products with special edition Stody Lodge Gardens' designs on them, which will be on sale within the gardens from May 19-27. In addition, The Stody Rainbow Garden Party on Saturday, May 25 is a special invitation to and celebration of the LGBT+ community and will raise funds for Norwich Pride and King's Lynn & West Norfolk Prides' respective parades this summer.

visit www.stodylodgegardens.co.uk for further information.