RAINHILL High School is gearing up for its annual Summer Fayre and Festival of Transport on July 1.

The festival was started seven years ago by geography and environmental studies teacher Mel Neale with the help of then-pupil, Damien Lawton, who both had an interest in classic cars. Now it's one of the most popular aspects of the summer fayre, with up to 50 vehicles on display including Jaguars, Astons, Rovers and MGs.

Mel told the Star: "I had a 1965 Ford Corsair which was the oldest one in Britain but we have also had much older vehicles at the festival, the oldest dating back to 1927. We also have motorbikes and trikes and will accept any pre-1978 classic vehicle."

The festival also includes a driver's parade and three trophies; for Best Car, Best Motorbike, and Most Popular Vehicle. Everyone who enters the display receives a plaque.

Mel added: "The whole event is free because we get sponsorship from local businesses to whom I am very grateful. And Damien, who helped me establish the first festival, now works for Jaguar and produces the programmes, which are also free. It has become a really well-received event, particularly with the rest of the day's activities, and I think we are the only school who have anything like it."

The event starts at 1pm on the day and anyone who has a classic vehicle they wish to display can contact Mel on 0151 430 0070.