A COUNTY Durham museum is to hold the largest gathering of classic cars in the region at the weekend.

Almost 200 splendid examples are expected at Beamish Open Air Museum for their Classic Car Day, on Sunday.

Owners are expected to take part in the event from all over the North-East, as well as Yorkshire, Cumbria and Scotland.

Among the entries are such famous manufacturers as Austin, Daimler, Ford, Morris and Riley, all made between 1920 and the early 1970s.

A spokeswoman for Beamish Museum said: "This magnificent collection of cars represents some of the finest motoring history, together with more modern vehicles, with evocative names sure to bring back the past - Ford Consul, Cortina and Zodiac, Vauxhall Victor and Cresta and Triumph Roadster."

Specialist fans might also be able to spot a rare SS car, built by Sir William Lyons, of Jaguar car fame.

The day has been organised by the North East Club for Pre-War Austins which, despite its name, is one for cars of all makes manufactured before the early 1970s.

The event starts at 10.30am and cars will be on show until about 4pm.