PORLOCK High Street echoed to the sound of revving from approximately 100 vehicles when the Rally of Tests visited the village on Friday (November 8).

The Rally of Tests is designed for cars pre-1968 and, although some drivers got lost along the way, most of the contestants arrived for lunch at Porlock Village Hall to be welcomed by Porlock Ladies president Fiona Plumstead (pictured far left) and a team ready to provide a homemade lunch.

The annual rally takes place in various parts of the country and it was a return visit to this ares. The 750-mile rally takes place over three days and combines plotting and map-reading skills in addition to driving skills, and 30 tests of various types at different stages.

Participants, many dressed in appropriate historical outfits, began the rally in Torquay on Friday morning, travelling cross country to Porlock for lunch, followed by a night in Bristol, where they arrived via Woolacombe.

The second day took them from Bristol via South Wales to Stoke, with the final day travelling from Stoke to Chester.

This year there were a significant number of foreign competitors including some from Holland, Ireland, France, Germany and Japan. They all expressed their delight in visiting Porlock and their gratitude for the food provided. 

Alanna Edward, who organised the eating arrangements, was particularly thanked for her efforts.

All profits from the event will go to Porlock Ladies Annual Charity.