FIFTY-THREE eye-catching vehicles have hit the road as part of a classic car tour.

Organised by the Rotary Club of North Berwick, the event on April 28 raised £8,000 for the group’s charity account, which helps good causes both locally and further afield.

Cars completed a 140-mile route through East Lothian and the Scottish Borders before participants enjoyed a quiz and other activities at Marine North Berwick.

South Scotland MSP Craig Hoy also attended the event, picking a car he would “most like to take home” as part of a competition. His choice was a 1980 Mercedes Benz 450 SL.

Gordon Symon, chair of the Rotary club, said: “We had 53 classic cars taking part, with cars coming from as far afield as Aberdeen, Fife and the west coast.

“The cars completed a route of about 140 miles over the Lammermuirs, stopping at the Roxburghe Hotel at Kelso and finishing at the Marine in North Berwick.

“We were honoured to have Craig Hoy attend at the Marine to select the car he would most like to take home. He chose a 1980 Mercedes Benz 450 SL, whose owner received a bottle of NB Gin.

“Other prizes were awarded to the owner of the car travelling the furthest to take part (Aberdeen), to the winner of a quiz, and to the owner of the oldest car completing the route, which was a 1968 Morris 1000.

“Thanks are due to Tesco for allowing the use of their car park for the start, the Roxburghe and the Marine for offering overnight stays which were auctioned, NB Gin and Glenkinchie for donating prizes, and the many local businesses and others who provided sponsorship.

“Our eighth tour will take place next April, for which entries will open in October.”

Mr Hoy added: “A real pleasure to join North Berwick Rotary today to judge their charity classic car rally.

“Fantastic event for a great organisation which provides support for good causes including Children’s Hospices Across Scotland.”