Almost 500 people turned out yesterday to admire a display of over 100 classic and vintage motors on Lowestoft seafront, all in aid of charity.

The Lowestoft Classic Vehicle Club held its annual charity run to raise funds for the neo-natal unit at the James Paget University Hospital, Gorleston.

Members and co-organisers, Clare and Tom Whittington, were inspired to raise funds for the unit after their son Oliver was born 12 weeks premature.

Oliver, now 15-months-old, was treated at the unit for eight weeks back in May last year.

Mrs Whittington said: 'Without their help we don't know what would have happened. It is a cause close to our hearts. They are absolutely brilliant.

'We just feel like we are giving something back. They saved Oliver's life.'

The couple also paid thanks to the other organisers, including Dick Talbot, charity organiser for the club.

'Everyone was so generous and we hope to raise �2000,' she added.

The event started at 10am on from Royal Green where the town's mayor, Tod Sullivan, waved off 40 cars with a chequered flag on a 50-mile tour of the surrounding countryside.

While they cruised along the region's roads, people had the chance to get a close-up look at the remaining 66 classic vehicles on display at Royal Green. This is the first year the event has taken place here.

The oldest vehicle there was a 1904 Cadillac and most of the other cars dated from between the 1930s and 1980s. People were also given the chance to win a 1968 restoration project - a Morris Minor.

The funds raised are still being counted and organisers hope to present a cheque to the team at the neo-natal unit in the next fortnight.

• For more information about The Lowestoft Classic Vehicle Club visit www.lcvc.co.uk or call Steve Parsons on 01493 859628.

• Click on the link in the top right hand corner of the webpage to view a photo gallery of the event.