Minis from all over the North attended the Blackpool Run for the second year of its incarnation. Just under 150 minis started from three starting points to congregate at Preston FC and then drive on to Blackpool. George led the group starting at Skipton (Bolton Abbey) and took them through the North Yorkshire countryside to meet at Preston.

Anne led the group from Penrith with over forty minis winding their way through Cumbria and down the Tebay valley. Simon Howarth had the task of managing the group from Liverpool, starting at Queen's Dock. The weather turned out to be absolutely fantastic yet again for the event.

All the cars then congregated at Preston in the car park opposite the football club. Many joined in from the Preston and Lancaster area here too, swelling the numbers and greatly adding to the charity coffers.

Tom Kidd and his crew did a fantastic job of managing so many minis, and once we moved off, the police helped to ensure minimal impact to the Preston traffic.

On the way into Blackpool, we had the pleasure of being greeted with the Red Arrows. Much as I would like to say they were part of our arrangements, they in fact were part of the Totally Transport Event that we were invited to and were participating in. For us, they roared over as we were passing through Lytham and up to Pontins on the South Pier. Some others bypassed the event and chose to meet up at the North Pier at Cleveley's where we congregated last year.

Once parked up, everyone had the opportunity of visiting the event, and going to the funfair at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. There was lots of entertainment, and much to see in terms of exhibits including various buses and trams, some other classic cars and some really good models. The visitor centre was bustling with crowds and music, and the BBQ's and ice-cream vans were doing a very brisk trade in the sunny warm (but pleasantly breezy) day.

At about 4pm, the event winded down, and people left to return home. In the meantime, we helped to collect just over £1200 through entry fees and donations and were happy to sponsor the run plates and help arrange the event. However, most thanks go to Tom Kidd and his team, to Simon Howarth, and to George and Anne Askew for helping ensure the whole thing ran smoothly.