THERE was a fine gathering of sports, classic and members' cars from the Burnham On Sea Motor Club Ltd as the annual Dave Warren Tour, converged on Batch Country House, at Lympsham.

It marked the 70th anniversary of the club's formation in 1953, when it was devised by local motoring enthusiasts and amateur racing drivers from the area.

The initial meeting took place in the kitchen of local garage proprietor John Buncombe, who supported by his wife Marjory, guided the club through many events in the 1950s and 60s.

Buncombe family members Jonathan and Jane attended this year's tour.

Over the years the club has promoted many notable events such as the speed events at Holimarine and later the National Speed Trials along the Marine Parade in Weston, which attracted the best drivers and cars from throughout the UK.

This year's classic tour started from the Town Hall car park in Glastonbury, where crews enjoyed breakfast in The Abbey Tea Rooms.

Then the cars headed north via Godney, to encompass the scenic roads across the Somerset Levels to Wells.

From there they headed towards Dinder and then the higher roads across the Mendip Hills, with a loop around Chew Valley lake, before ascending up the scenic Burrington Coombe, skirting around Charterhouse before descending though Cheddar Gorge.

Many stopped in Axbridge for refreshments before going via Winscombe, Banwell, Elworthy and Canada Coombe, to The Batch Country House Hotel for a roast lunch.

This was followed by the 70th birthday celebrations, where a large number of former members and local motoring enthusiasts joined the tour participants.

Club chairman Peter Isaac and president Chris House made speeches prior to the Mayor of Burnham and Highbridge, Lesley Millard, judging which car she would like to take home and undertaking the formal cutting of a celebratory birthday cake.

Celebration organisers Natalie and Kris Puddy were thanked for their hard work.

As in previous years all profits from the tour are donated to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, were one of their representative Anita gave an overview of the work they undertake.