IT was a tribute to the crowd-pulling power of classic cars...

Despite a day of persistent heavy showers, fans of rare, classic, and decades old cars braved the rain and mud to enjoy this year's Cumbria Classic Car Show at Dalemain near Penrith - the 30th held so far.

On a large field, a short distance from the stately home that is home to a world-famous marmalade festival, scores of beautiful cars - and some motorbikes - sat forlornly under a grey sky, their bumpers, bonnets and mudguards dripping with a steady stream of chilling Cumbrian rain.

But a spell of harsh weather was never going to deter the real enthusiasts.

They included Cumbrian couple Mike and Margaret Park, who sheltered in their eye-catching 1938 Austin 7 Pearl Cabriolet.

"It's totally different to a modern car," said Mike, 70.

"It's a bit more physical to drive; and as for health and safety's there's nothing: no seat belts, nothing to hold the seat in position, no collapsible steering wheel, and no demister."

With a top speed of 40mph, it is unlikely the car will ever flout a speed limit but what it lacks in performance it makes up for in charm. Having already missed a few car shows because of the wet summer, the couple are hoping for a drier weekend next week so they can show off their car at a show in Blackpool.

Among the more unusual cars on display was a 1961 Healey 3,000 Mk 1 - a sleek looking classic sports car that was once owned by flamboyant late motorbiking legend Barrie Sheene, one of the biggest sports stars of the seventies

This car too takes careful physical handling, said Robert Hammond, 54, at the event with his wife Kerry, 51.

"I think of it as a hairy-chested sports car - an iconic British sports car," said Kerry.

"It can be a bit challenging," said Robert.

The couple, from Blencarn, near Penrith, run Lakes & Dales Classic Car Hire.

Though there were moments where the sun broke through the clouds at Dalemain, the day was mostly drenched, forcing some exhibitors and fans to go home early.