ALTON will go into top gear at the weekend with the return of the popular annual Herald Classic Car Show and Rally tomorrow.

Organised by the Alton Herald and Alton Town Council, this year’s show will be the 14th renewal in the town and is already looking to trump last year with more than 190 vehicles booked to exhibit on the day.

The High Street, Market Street, Cross and Pillory Lane and the Market Square will be alive with activity, including market stalls, food, music and, of course, cars.

There will be something to suit all tastes, including military and emergency vehicles, American classics, veteran motorbikes, and plenty of modern motors too.

An undoubted highlight of the day will be a special appearance from the Top Gear Toyota Hilux, which featured on the flagship BBC programme.

Viewers will remember the Hilux from the Polar Special in 2007, driven by Jeremy Clarkson and James May, racing Richard Hammond and his dog sled team to the North Pole.

This year, the classic car rally will set off in the morning from Country Market at Kingsley, then travel through East Hampshire’s countryside before arriving at Anstey Park from 9am.

From there they will convoy into town, before parking throughout Alton Town Centre, to be on display from 10am-4pm.

The Market Square will once again be the heart of the event, hosting live performances from acts such as The Triple Aces, Dance on the Line, Alton College’s finest musicians and, new this year, the Holybourne Singers Young Voices. Paul Le Feuvre will return as compere for the day.

Vehicles themselves will be judged throughout the event, with Alton deputy mayor Dean Phillips presenting winners with trophies in categories including best vehicle, best turned out, and most interesting.

“The Alton Herald and Tindle Newspapers are happy to support Alton Town Council for the 14th year and thank them for all they have done to bring this special day about,” said Herald special projects manager Alan Wooler.

“We welcome participants and visitors to the annual Herald Classic Car Show for a day of fun and entertainment for all the family.”