A VINTAGE rally attracted a record crowd of more than 65,000 visitors to Victoria Park in Widnes over the weekend.

For the first time, Circus Sensible ran free fun workshops inside a mini big top teaching children how to spin plates and juggle.

Visitors from all corners of the UK came to see an array of classic fair organs, cars and bikes.

The North West Vintage Rally is the largest free two day event of its kind.

Thousands of spectactors had a nostalgic trip in a 1961 Widnes No 31 bus as it ferried people to the venue from the municipal building.

There was plenty of live entertainment as H&M Display staged death defying tricks.

Halton’s Got Talent 2014 finalists performed on stage and Pauline Reader Dancers revived old style routines.

The Sundowners sang in the beer tent.

The event was sponsored by Halton Clinical Commissioning Group, which plans and buys health services for the borough’s 126,000 patients.

Their staff were on hand with information in their own marquee and also provided musical entertainment and activities.

Halton Clr Eddie Jones, board member for events, said : “It was lovely to see so many people enjoying themselves in such a great venue.

"We have so many positive comments about both the park and the event.

“ It’s clear that the rally is now something people from far and wide now really look forward to not to mention providing our own residents with an inexpensive day out and boosting our local economy."