THOUSANDS of petrolheads packed into Chepstow Racecourse over the weekend to see the Big Welsh Car Show pitch up in the town for the first time.

The annual fundraiser in aid of cancer research charity Bloodwise celebrates vehicles in all shapes, sizes and colours.

Restored military vehicles, rare roadsters and modern modified supercars could be found in sprawling pitches which covered the expansive racecourse grounds.

People travelled from across Wales and the UK to visit the show, which has been traditionally held at Port Talbot’s Margam County Park since it began in 2015.

Chris Hall’s faithful recreation of a Dodge City police cruiser was one of three American-style police cars that drew the attention of passers-by throughout the day.

“The police scanner is actually a live broadcast from a force in Chicago to give it that much more authenticity,” he said.

“When people see these cars in films or on TV they want to get close to the real thing so I get a lot of bookings for weddings and birthdays.

“I’ve had quite a lot interest today so I haven’t had too much of a chance to see some of the other cars.”

Helena White, who had driven her classic Mini Cooper down from Hereford, remarked at being “transported back in time” while walking among the rows of cars.

Aside from the numerous vehicular offerings, younger visitors could also enjoy a full funfair, various crafts and circus activities, and the chance to get behind the wheel themselves on a mini go-kart course.

Food and drink was in amply supply, with Beetle Juice Wales providing a pop-up bar from a converted VW campervan.

Chepstow’s town mayor, Cllr Dale Rooke, opened the event and praised it as a unique opportunity to help a “worthy” charity.

“We all know somebody that has been affected by cancer so it is fantastic to see so many people turn out here support Bloodwise,” the member for Thornwell said.

“I honestly can’t think of an event which has combined charity with cars and as someone who loves cars from the late 1970s and early 1980s, it’s fantastic to be able to have a look around at some of these magnificent vehicles.”

All of the funds raised on the day will be pooled back into Bloodwise to help fund research and support for those affected by blood cancer.

For more information, visit bloodwise.org.uk.