THE annual West Bay Rally in Bridport will celebrate its 40th anniversary this summer with its biggest petrolhead party to date.

The rally, run by the West Dorset Vintage Tractor and Stationary Engine Club, takes place every June at the Melplash Show site and raises money for local charities.

In the last few years, their efforts have accumulated more than £70,000 for organisations including Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, The Bridport Bandits, Honeysuckle Dog Agility, Bridport Sea Cadets, Dorchester Youth Football Club, Bridport Youth Football Club and Marshwood Vale Young Farmers.

Club chairman Bruce Carter said: "When you think of how much money we have given over the years, I am very proud of it.

"Rather than just have pleasure for ourselves, we are trying to help the local community as well.

"People like the youth club are struggling for financial support, so we do our bit to try and support them."

Organisers have a packed event planned for this year on June 11-12.

Bruce said: "We are spending a lot more money on entertainment this year for the public.

"We have tweaked it as much as we can to make it a great day out for the entire family."

As well as the usual vintage vehicular attractions, this year's show boasts local music from the likes of vocal harmony group The Decadettes, model displays, craft stalls and a horticulture section that is new for the milestone year.

Animal-themed entertainment will also be a part of the rally, with the schedule including dog agility displays, birds of prey and ferret racing.

"The one that is going to be really entertaining is the people coming from Torbay with birds of prey," said Bruce.

"The birds will actually fly across and land on the hands of members of the public if they want to have a go.

"We have been chasing it for years but we finally got it this year."

Admission to the event costs £6 for adults, £4 for seniors and £2 for young people aged 11-16, with children below that age entitled to free entry.

For more information, visit the club website at www.wdvtsec.com.

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