NEWTON Abbot was awash with smiling faces on Saturday when the town centre hosted its latest classic vehicle show.

More than 50 cherished motors and their owners gathered in Courtenay Street, Bank Street and Wolborough Street, drawing in the crowds and winning plenty of admiring glances.

Live music from The Liberty Sisters and Simon Prince had people literally dancing in the streets while the sun shone throughout.

‘Oh it’s lovely, this is the first time I’ve seen the town and I’m going to bring my wife here in the week and show her around,’ said Laurence Asher who recently moved from London to Plymouth and was showing his 1954 Singer Roadster.

St Leonard’s Tower, Newton’s best-known landmark, was open to visitors with plenty of people taking the opportunity.

‘It’s been busy, very busy,’ said Dulcie Purchase who volunteered with husband Ken on reception.

The show presented Deputy Mayor Cllr Alex Hall with his first official outing since taking office earlier this month.

‘I’m incredibly proud to be representing my town at such a wonderful event that’s clearly proving to be very popular,’ said the 21-year-old.

‘We’ve always said Newton Abbot is streets ahead of the web and here’s the proof.’

Helping to judge the cars was first-aid responder Jackie Morris. She had asked for the role in memory of colleague Norman Titt who had chosen best-in-show at the town’s first ever classic vehicle gathering.

‘Norman passed away on April 14 and I wanted to judge the entries in his memory, he is very much missed,’ said Jackie who presented first prize to Lisa Dient’e [correct] and Don Crompton from Okehampton for their 1999 Alfa Romeo 33 1.7 Veloce Cloverleaf.

‘It’s a car I’d love to take home, it’s just got the look, I think it is beautiful.’

A stunned Lisa, who’d spent six months with partner Don preparing the car, said: ‘I’m absolutely amazed at winning, I’ve still got tears in my eyes.’

Town development manager Sally Henley from Newton Abbot Town Council worked with members of car club Teignbridge Classics to stage the event.

‘I take my hat off to the club for arranging such a terrific display, they deserve plenty of credit for being so professional and delivering a show people obviously love,’ she said.

Club co-founder Jamie Theobold said: ‘It’s been absolutely fantastic, we’re really pleased and the help we get from Newton Abbot Town Council is fantastic.

‘We look forward to our next show here in September.’