RECORDS were smashed after more than 800 quality classic, vintage and racing cars, motorbikes, Vespas and Lambrettas took up every space in the paddock and spilled out into the field beyond.

Classic Car Day at The Deer’s Hut, held on Father’s Day and now in its 31st year, was blessed with hot summer weather, drawing hundreds of visitors, including leader of East Hampshire District council Richard Millard, who enjoyed the family atmosphere, food and drinks, live music by local band Good Times Roll.

Deer’s Hut managing director Debbie Steele told The Herald: “The event is growing every year and we were thrilled to have a real community spirit and a large family turn out this time.

“It was lovely to see so many happy faces everywhere, including all the staff who worked tirelessly throughout the whole day - as well as the many volunteers made up from friends, family members and pub regulars, who came to us offering to help.

“A huge thank-you to everyone – to all our customers and especially to Mr and Mrs Shilling, who offered free rides to visitors in their fabulous McLaren car in exchange for a donation.”

Dubbed as a Mini-Goodwood, the collection of vintage and classic cars on display represented an A-Z of motoring history and presented a feast for petrol heads.

Makes on display included Ferraris, MGs, Triumphs, Morris Minors, Vauxhalls, Jaguars, TVRs, Alpha Romeos, Daimlers, Aston Martins, Cobras, some VW Buses, BMW’s, Mini Coopers, Porsches, Triumphs, Volvos, Mercedes, several Lotus cars, Vintage Rolls Royces, Ford Mustangs, Courvettes, Panthers, Ford Capris, Cortinas, a Borgward, Austin Healeys, Morgans, an Oldsmobile and a Wolseley.

The winners were presented with a bottle of champagne each by Ian Smith, Josh King and Christiana Steward from sponsor Clarke Gammon Wellers.

They included first time visitors Paul and Fiona Cooper who arrived in their black Jaguar Aristocat Coupe, built in 1990, as well as Joan Rose and Mick Graham, from Petersfield, who drove a convertible maroon coloured MG FF 1500, built in 1954.

Joan, who owns the car, told The Herald: “I have not been coming to this event for 10 years and was amazed to see how much it has grown.

“The car was my late husband’s pride and joy and because I can’t drive, my friend Mick is looking after it and takes me out in it. I am thrilled to win a prize!”

The third prize went to Liphook couple Stuart and Lesley Morton for their Ferrari F355 GTS, built in 1997.

Stuart was another owner who had not visited the show for a few years.

Together with Lesley, who is a volunteer at Liphook Day Centre, he loves owning and driving a Ferrari, which he says is the closest feeling to driving a racing car.

Beneficiaries of funds raised from the event include Liphook Scouts, Cubs and Girlguiding, the Carnival Committee, Liphook Fire Fighters and the Day Centre.

A carousel from the Hollycombe Steam was on hand to entertain the children.