Drivers splash out at festival (From Oxford Mail)

Drivers splash out at festival

4:20pm Monday 1st October 2007 in News By Gordon Rogers

Hundreds of four by four enthusiasts got behind the wheel to test their skills - and raised more than £10,000 for two county charities.

More than 300 drivers and 150 spectators descended on Dalton Barracks airfield, Abingdon, for the weekend-long Abingdon 4x4 Festival.

As well as showing off their vehicles, participants had fun testing their skills around the site's specially-designed off-road driving course. There were also trade stalls, a beer tent and a charity auction.

Principal organiser Nick Jennings said: "It was a marvellous weekend with everyone enjoying themselves - with no injuries or upsets.

"More and more people know about us, and we had more visitors - and raised more money - than ever before."

Proceeds will be split between the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance, based at RAF Benson, and the Help An Oxfordshire Child charity.

The event - the seventh to take place in the town - was organised by Abingdon Rotary Club, the Phoenix Land Rover Club, Frog Island 4x4 company in Didcot, and Land Rover Enthusiasts magazine - whose editorial department is based in Wallingford.

Over the past seven years the event has raised more than £42,000 for charity.

Mr Jennings said: "The festival grows in popularity ever year.

"It attracts individuals but is also a big draw for many 4x4 clubs from all over the country who compete against each other.

"Interest shows no sign of diminishing."

The site featured a course designed by Mr Jennings's son John who has competed in events across the world - from dense rain forests, to sub-zero temperatures in the French Alps and deserts in Morocco.

He said: "I was privileged to have been asked to design the festival course and put something back into the sport that has given me so much enjoyment.

"My aim was to design a course that will run smoothly without causing damage to standard vehicles, but with optional sections ranging in difficulty for the more adventurous and experienced drivers."