CLASSIC and historic vehicle enthusiasts from all over converged on Sunderland at the weekend.

The city hosted three different rallies, some of which were blessed with glorious sunshine.

The North-East Historical Vehicle Rally, held at Seaburn Recreation Ground, on Monday, featured a wide range of cars as well as buses restored by the North-East Bus Museum.

Mini enthusiasts were in town on Sunday as 600 of the famous little cars gathered, also at Seaburn, for the North-East Mini Club Show.

Owners from as far afield as Suffolk put their pride and joy on show and Sunderland AFC manager Peter Reid and some of his players paid a visit before their 1-1 draw with bitter rivals Newcastle United.

Sunday also saw Sunderland Classic Vehicle Society holding its rally at The Prospect pub in Durham Road when attractions included a 20-seater Bedford bus dating from 1965.

The vehicle was restored to its former glory by society member Ian Davison who found it in a compound on the city's Sheepfolds Industrial Estate.