THOUSANDS of people descended on an annual extravaganza in aid of the Manorlands Hospice over the weekend.

The Bronte Vintage Gathering spectacular took place in fields off Haworth Road, Cullingworth, attracting plenty of excited visitors.

The good turnout came despite rain overnight on Friday and wet weather on Saturday that threatened to put a dampener on proceedings.

Organisers of the event, which was held from 10am to 4pm both days, had pledged that it would be the biggest and best yet. And it didn't disappoint, as slightly wet and muddy conditions on Saturday gave way to drier and sunnier weather on Sunday.

Popular stuntman Jez Avery delighted spectators with his daredevil moves, while the Chariots of Fire pony display team drew warm applause for their show. It featured ponies pulling a cart over jumps that doubled up as ramps.

Also part of the pony display team was a Galloway cow, which also pulled a cart over some of the jumps.

Other entertainment in the arena included terrier racing, a dog agility show and SMJ falconry.

Hands-on entertainment included a zip-wire, fairground rides, a bouncy castle and slides, clay pigeon shooting, and Blackpool donkey rides.

A more gentler pace could be found in the marquee tents, with a range of hand-pulled Old Spot brewery real ales to choose from, various tombolas, sweet, craft and trade stalls, and a massage service.

Around the outskirts of the fields were exhibits of classic cars, commercial and military vehicles, motorcycles, miniature steam engines, tractors and organs. There was also a selection of stalls and food outlets.

On Saturday evening there was a collectors' and machinery sale, followed by live entertainment in the beer tent - on the back of a lorry trailer - from the Rhythm Junkies. On Sunday afternoon there was a bumper auction of donated goods.

One woman said: "It is a really friendly, family-fun day out. We love wondering round all the vehicles and engines, they are very interesting.

"But the whole atmosphere is just really good. I enjoy it and look forward to it every year."

One dad said: "We love this event, we come every year. My daughter especially likes watching the pony display team!"

Since it was first staged 17 years ago, the event has raised more than £310,000 for the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice.

Last year’s show had to be cancelled part way through when torrential rain turned the field into a quagmire.

Its spokesman Trish Wood said: "We want to raise a bumper amount for Manorlands."

The hospice in Oxenhope provides palliative care and complementary therapy services to support people with life-limiting illnesses which can involve complex physical or psychological problems.

It supports people living in Craven, Airedale, and Wharfedale as well as central, northern and western areas of Bradford.