HUNDREDS of people gathered on Lowestoft seafront to admire a display of classic and vintage vehicles.

But one family had a very special reason to attend the event.

The Lowestoft Classic Vehicle Club held its annual charity run on Sunday in aid of the neo-natal unit at the James Paget University Hospital and among those present were members and co-organisers, Clare and Tom Whittington, of Long Road, Lowestoft.

They were inspired to take part in the fundraising after their son Oliver was born 12 weeks premature. Oliver, now aged 15 months, was treated at the unit for eight weeks in May last year.

Mrs Whittington said: 'Without their help we don't know what would have happened. It is a cause close to our hearts. They are absolutely brilliant.

'We just feel like we are giving something back. They saved Oliver's life.'

The couple also paid thanks to the event's other organisers, including Dick Talbot, charity organiser for the club.

'Everyone was so generous and we hope to raise �2,000,' Mrs Whittington added.

The event started at 10am on Sunday from Royal Green where the Mayor of Lowestoft, Tod Sullivan, waved off 40 cars with a chequered flag on a 50-mile tour of the surrounding countryside.While they cruised along the region's roads, people had the chance to get a close-up look at the remaining 66 classic vehicles on display at Royal Green, which was hosting the event for the first time.

The oldest vehicle on show was a 1904 Cadillac and most of the other cars dated from the 1930s to the 1980s. People were also given the chance to win a restoration project – a 1968 Morris Minor.

Organisers hoped to raise at least �2,800 from the event and plan to present a cheque to the neo-natal unit in the next fortnight.

? For information on Lowestoft Classic Vehicle Club, visit www.lcvc.co.uk or call Steve Parsons on 01493 859628.

? Go online to www.lowestoftjournal.co.uk to view a photo gallery from the event.