MOTORING enthusiasts took a journey back in time yesterday when they steered a cavalcade of lovingly restored cars through the North-East in an annual test of safety and reliability.

The 31st Beamish Safety and Reliability Run, starting and ending at Beamish Museum, near Stanley, Country Durham, followed a picturesque route through the Pennines.

Organiser George Jolley said last night: "It has gone very well. We had fine weather this year, which was a blessing.

"There was an excellent turnout, with more than 100 vehicles taking part."

It was the first time since the foot-and-mouth outbreak that the run returned to its normal 150-mile route.

But it was not completely without obstacles.

A section of unclassified road between Tan Hill and Sleightholme Farm, near Bowes, gave drivers an uncomfortable reminder of what road conditions of yesteryear were like.

Mr Jolley said: "It was in a serious condition, with potholes and puddles. I drove it and had to dodge holes the whole way.

"We offered a longer, alternative route to drivers who did not want to use this section of road. A number of stalwarts still used it but, judging by the number of clean cars coming past me in Romaldkirk, the majority have took the longer route."

The next potential obstacle faced by drivers was the Stanhope Ford, which threatened to become impassable.

There was also a hold up on Buttertubs Pass, between Muker and Hawes, where only half the road was open.

And it was initially feared that the course would have to avoid the County Bridge, in Barnard Castle, because of an accident which knocked out a parapet.

Among the highlights of the event were a rare 1927 Lorraine Dietric of Franco/German origin, three chain-driven Frazer Nashes and a handmade 1950 Dellow sports car.

In keeping with the golden jubilee celebrations, organisers lowered the entry to allow all vehicles registered before 1954 to take part, therefore including those from the years of the Queen's accession and coronation.

For visitors to Beamish there was a static display of pre-1980 vehicles staged by the Veteran Car Club of Great Britain