STEEPLEJACK Fred Dibnah is joining forces with Bolton's former MP Peter Thurnham for this year's Vintage and Classic Car Run. Mr Thurnham is jetting to Bolton from America ready to dust down his 1904 Wolseley as enthusiasts also head for the town to show off their vintage models. Apart from raising vital cash for Bolton Hospice, this year's rally will remember Bolton's forgotten record breaking car built by Maurice Edwards in the 1920s.

And car buffs from across the region are expected to proudly show off their historic cars for the event on June 15.

Cars in the rally include the Aston Martin, Austin Healey, Bristol, MG Triumph and pre war vintages such as the 1925 Bullnose Morris, a 1927 Alvis and a 1937 Bentley.

This year's event starts outside Bolton School on Chorley New Road at 11am.

The cars will then take part in a 50 mile journey across Bolton moorland before returning for a free lunch at the former Bolton Wanderers ground at Burnden Park.

Locals are being urged to nominate a "deserving person" to be a VIP guest of the rally.

And the guest of honour will also be treated to a special lunch with the car enthusiasts at Burnden Park.

Bolton's famous son, Fred Dibnah, better known for his interest in vintage steam engines than the four wheel variety, will be officially starting the rally.

The car run is expected to beat its £1,000 target raised in its first run last summer.

And the event is hoping to highlight the MEB project as Bolton College students attempt to build a replica of the 1920s car built by Maurice Edwards of Edbro fame.

The students are hoping to recreate the world record breaking model and auction it off raising vital funds for Bolton hospice.

Organisers are urging drivers and passengers to bring weather proof clothing in case of showers and entrance forms for the rally are still available from Mrs Brenda Thornley on Bolton 301544 or the hospice on 520040.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.