Hill Climb venue marking 50 years

Hundreds of people are expected to turn out for a special party tomorrow to mark the 50th anniversary of a Shropshire race car venue.

The Loton Park Speed Hill Climb, near Shrewsbury, is celebrating the milestone with a "Party in the Park" event at the site owned by Sir Michael Leighton.

Visitors will be offered the chance to ride as passengers in a choice of Ferrari super cars.

There will also be some exciting static displays to attract the enthusiast, including the 2003 Le Mans winning Bentley Speed 8 and a display of classic and hill climb cars.

Dave Parr, competitions secretary of the Hagley & District Light Car Club, which organises the event, said: "Members of the public are invited into the park free of charge to join in the celebrations of the 50th year of the hill climb venue.

"We have 50 exciting cars in which you can go up the course a passenger for a modest fee. All proceeds from the event will go to our nominated charities.

"Added attractions are demonstrations by our International Autotest team, demonstrations by a team of sporting trials drivers, and displays of race and hill climb cars."

The action starts at 10am and goes on until 4pm. Organisers have also arranged for the Midlands Air Ambulance flight simulator to be there and there will be craft stalls and a treasure hunt from 10.30am to 2.30pm.

The track is located in Sir Michael's stately home at Alberbury.