A TOWN'S market place will be taken over by the car industry as it prepares for its annual motor show.

The Bishop Auckland Motor Show has established itself as one of the highlights in the town's calendar and crowds are expected from across the region when it makes its return on Friday, August 19.

Seven motor dealers are lined up for the day and organisers say the event is bigger and better than ever before.

Town centre manager Derek Toon said: "The first year we ran it we had about 15 cars in the market place, this time there will be about 44."

Vintage cars are also expected and the police will also make an appearance with their community bus.