They are their owners' pride and joy and after a final lick of polish and, in some cases, gentle encouragement, the assembled collection of hundreds of classic cars was ready to roll.

Amid the tooting of horns and waves from the crowds, the annual North Norfolk Classic Vehicle Club St George's Day Run set out from Sheringham for Sandringham on Sunday. Hundreds of vintage, collectable and unusual cars filed out of Station Road car park on the route to the Queen's rural retreat.

Many vehicles flew the St George's Cross to mark the occasion as the drivers set out on their way.

The Earl of Leicester allowed the cars to follow a special route through the Holkham Estate, passing through a triumphal arch normally closed to traffic. Now in its ninth year, the event has raised more than £20,000 for the East Anglian Air Ambulance.

Amongst those taking part were Steve and Jacqueline Purnell in their 1933 Pierce Arrow.

Mr Purnell said: 'The car has only done 53,000 miles. I have owned it for the last eight years and just bring it out for special occasions. There were only a handful of this model made and is just amazing to drive, you cannot beat it.'

Club secretary Roy Beckley expressed his delight at the near record turn out.

Mr Beckley said: 'The run gives an opportunity for enthusiasts to bring out their cars and meet up with other owners. The first rally started out with just 30 cars and there are more than 300 today.'

Sheringham mayor David Gooch waved off the cars accompanied by the clanging of a bell rung by town crier Tony Nelson.

The event, which was open to members and non-members, was sponsored by Anglia Car Auctions so every penny could be donated to charity.