FRED Dibnah’s Land Rover and a 100-year-old Ford Model T were just two of the vintage vehicles which took to the road in the Mayor of Bolton’s charity classic car run.

Enthusiasts yesterday flocked to Victoria Square where they were treated to the sight of 60 vehicles proudly lined up before they embarked on a 60-mile drive to East Lancashire and back.

The event was arranged by Mayor of Bolton Cllr Colin Shaw, in aid of his charities Bolton Hospice, Bolton Lads and Girls Club, Fortalice and the Sensory Centre for the Blind.

Lorna Dibnah and Jayne Stott brought their late father’s iconic 1966 Land Rover Series IIA — complete with customised ladder rack — which he used to use for his work as a steeplejack.

Lorna said: “The Mayor went to school with my dad so when he asked we said yes because it is in aid of such good causes.

“It started off as an ex-army Land Rover but my dad customised it and put a ladder rack on the top — basically put his stamp on it. It was his workhorse really. It was always breaking down but it is still road legal and is still going.

“It could be restored but it wouldn’t be the same. We usually take it out to steam engine rallies. This is the first time it has been out this year.”

Peter Higginson, aged 76, from Egerton, drove his 1914 Ford Model T along with its previous owner Peter Green.

Mr Higginson said: “I have always been a fan of the Model T and I am in the club, so I bought this six years ago from Peter. We go on a number of rallies each year. It’s going to Scotland next month.”

The University of Bolton’s Vice Chancellor, Professor George Holmes, brought his late father’s 1969 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow.

He said: “This has been passed down to me by my father who had it from new, so it has been in my family for 45 years. I remember it being delivered when I was seven.”

Keith Shorrock, aged 78, from Smithills, turned heads with his 1929 Bentley Speed Six, which he drove with his wife Moira.

He said: “We have taken this all over the world including France, Spain, Italy and Jordan and it is still going strong. But then it was made back when British engineering was at its best.”

The run ended back at Victoria Square in the early afternoon where many entrants enjoyed potato pie and peas before the Mayor gave a presentation.

Cllr Colin Shaw added: “I am very grateful to all the people who have spent the time to get their cars ready for the race. The turnout has been amazing.”