Thousands of classic car enthusiasts headed to Helmingham Hall for one of the highlights of the region’s motoring calendar yesterday.

The Helmingham Festival of Classic and Sports Cars enjoyed nearly perfect weather as visitors flocked to the Suffolk estate.

Cars ranging from a 1930s Austin Seven to a customised Renault Five and Noble supercars were on show and attracting admiring glances from enthusiasts.

The event raises money for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices, and organisers are hoping that this year’s festival could beat last year’s figure of £4,500.

The first festival was held at Helmingham in 2005, and over the last 10 years has become one of the most popular events on the car enthusiasts’ calendar.