A CLASSIC car rally, last held eight years ago, is making a comeback to Bolton to raise money for the mayor’s charity.

So far 50 vehicles of all ages and makes — including Fred Dibnah’s Land Rover — have been signed up for the classic car run which will start in Victoria Square, Bolton, and take in 50 miles of the Lancashire countryside.

The Mayor, Cllr Colin Shaw, has enlisted the help of Trevor Jackson who ran the rallies for many years.

Mr Jackson, a retired polymer consultant, said: “I used to spend a year organising the rally, this time I have had only three months.”

And he revealed it was a story in the Bolton Evening News, as it was then, that got him involved.

He wanted to help hospices after his sister died and when he saw the story about a classic car run, he and his wife decided to offer their help.

He said: “I went from being a helper at the first rally to rapid promotion to co-ordinator when the then organiser Brenda Thornley retired.”

The rally, on Sunday, April 6, will set off from Victoria Square at 10.30am and then the “participants” will be given their route, which is kept a mystery until the day.

It will be a navigational challenge, but not too demanding.

Mr Jackson said he is delighted at the numbers of entrants so far and he wil be taking Poppy, his red 1929 Austin Seven along.

Fred Dibnah’s daughter Lorna said the family was looking forward to the event and to raising money for the hospice where her father spent his last days.

Lorna, who went to school with the Mayor’s sons, added; “This will be the Land Rover’s first outing for 2014.

“My husband Alistair will be driving, I will be in a back-up car as it has a habit of breaking down.”

The Land Rover is a 1966 series 2 model that started life as a military vehicle. It was restored by the famiy and still has Fred’s ladders on the scaffold roof rack.

Mr Jackson is urging spectators to turn out and cheer the drivers on.

All the vehicles will end up back at Victoria Square for a pie and pea lunch in the town hall.

Proceeds will go to the mayor’s charities, Bolton Hospice, Bolton Lads and Girls Club, the Sensory Centre for the Blind and Fortalice.

For more details contact Mr Jackson on 01204 302097.