Hundreds of vintage vehicle enthusiasts are expected to travel from far and wide to display their classic cars and bikes on a village green in east Suffolk next week.

Organisers of the fifth annual Classics on the Green, which takes place in Friston on Thursday, are hoping that the event will be the biggest and best yet.

Tony Morley, who runs the event with fellow car enthusiast Simon Ive, said last year’s show attracted more than 200 vehicles including a Model T Ford a Bugatti and a Jaguar E-Type.

This year, an extra field has been made available for ordinary vehicles, so that the classics have free reign of the village green.

Highlights include a selection of Second World War vehicles which recently returned from Normandy and a contingent from the Norfolk Bubble Car Club.

Mr Morley, who owns an Alvis 12/60 Beetleback, said he expected a “nice eclectic mix” of vintage vehicles dating back from 1915 up to 1970, with visitors from across Suffolk and Essex expected to attend.

The show is free to visitors, however donations are requested to support the preservation of St Andrew’s Church in Friston. Last year’s event raised more than £2,000 and organisers are hoping to top that total.

Mr Morley said the event aimed to create a “nice relaxing family atmosphere” without any of the commercial stalls seen at some of the larger events.

“It also helps to bring people in the village together,” he added.

“We get a lot of volunteers helping with parking, the ladies makes cakes and sandwiches in the village hall and others help to run the barbecue.”

Mr Ive emphasised the event was intended to be very much a “social occasion” with refreshments served and a pop-up bar opening later in the day.

The show starts at the green from 4pm and runs through the early evening.

Public parking will in Grove Road, opposite the closed Old Chequers pub and there will be stewards directing visitors around the village.

Classic car owners who wish to display their vehicle are asked to advise the organisers in advance by emailing classicsfriston@aol.com.