FATHERS and their families flocked to Helston Motor Show on Sunday helping to boost attendance to record levels.

The annual Father's Day treat, sponsored by the Packet, was boosted by blazing sunshine in the afternoon, following a rather grey start.

Organiser Mick Timpson said: "It went very well indeed. We certainly exceeded our record two years ago. In a way it was perfect weather for us because it was misty in the morning, which stopped people going out for the day."

Held in the rugby ground of Helston College, the event gave the opportunity to look and compare the latest models from all the local car dealerships in one place.

A vintage car display and live music, including Helston College Jazz Orchestra and Floor Jam - which got together for the day after its members separated when they left the college to attend university - accompanied the range of stalls and displays.

The Cornwall Caledonian Pipes and Drums gave two performances to an appreciative audience and Jez Avery gave displays on mountain bike and motorbike jumping.

"He was superb. It's something we have never had before. He really worked the crowd and was absolutely marvellous," said Mr Timpson. "He told me afterwards it was one of the best responses from a crowd that he's ever had and that encouraged him to jump higher than ever before."

During the morning the performer jumped a car on his mountain bike and in the afternoon he jumped two cars on his motorbike, together with "bunny hopping" a line of people lying on the ground. It is not yet known the final amount raised - which is traditionally split between Helston College and Parc Eglos Primary School - but Mr Timpson estimated that in excess of £9,000 was raised on the gate alone.