Racing legend Sir Stirling Moss enjoys action at Shelsley hill climb event

The annual event near Tenbury Wells, attracts a very wide range of competing cars from the 1950s and 60s and spectators are encouraged to wear period dress to add to the sense of occasion.

Sir Stirling was yesterday presented with a certificate to mark his ownership of a "yard of Tarmac" on the course, the Midland Automobile Club's scheme to fund restoration work to the water mill and courtyard buildings, and he officially opened the resulting new bar in the restored courtyard.

He said: "I have fond memories of Shelsley Walsh, although my first application to compete was turned down as I was deemed not to have enough experience – and I still retain that letter. However, I thankfully won my class at a nearby meeting the following weekend and have never looked back since.

"This Classic Nostalgia event produces some wonderful sights, sounds and cars, and all in such a pretty setting, so it is delightful to see the place in very good hands and going from strength to strength."

Another celebrity making an appearance was renowned competition Mini driver Paddy Hopkirk who was helping to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Mini Cooper, with many examples of the marque competing over the weekend. Pleasing the crowds was Jason Blott with his Ford Zephyr Utility which left a stream of smoke from its tyres away from the start line on each of its demonstration runs.

Saturday's club competition proved a clean sweep for Chevron racing cars which took the top three positions for Best Time of Day in the hands of local club members Martin Jones, Keith Harris and Peter Cox respectively.

There was also a large showing of MG cars ranging from the iconic MGB sports cars to coupes, saloons and Midgets.