UP to 100 high-powered sports cars descended on the Reebok Stadium last night for a bizarre rally in the car park.

The unauthorised event - during which some drivers performed high speed handbrake turns demonstrating their driving skills - followed a convoy through Lancashire.

It is believed the drivers had all arranged to meet via adverts in a car fanatics' magazine.

Police patrols first spotted the convoy travelling along the M61 towards Bolton at 11pm last night.

The motorists involved in the convoy followed the speed limits on the motorway but stopped at the Bolton West Service area.

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Some of the drivers then began performing handbrake turns before the convoy returned to the motorway.

First Motorway Services general manager Nick Palmizi said: "From what we understand it had been arranged through contacts in Max Power magazine.

"It has happened before. Most of them just go to look at each other's cars and take pictures. But a few decided to mess around on the car park."

The convoy was monitored by the police as the drivers left the motorway at Bolton.

The cars were then driven to the car park at the Reebok where the drivers again gathered for a rally demonstrating their driving ability and performance of their cars.

The rally ended shortly after 1am.

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