THE picturesque Hampshire countryside acted as the perfect backdrop for the first of what is set to become an annual classic car rally.

Organised by North Hampshire Medical Fund, 43 drivers in a range of vehicles took in some of Hampshire’s most iconic sites in a bid to raise money for Basingstoke hospital.

On display during the rally on Sunday, May 21 were such vehicles as a Rolls Royce Silver Ghost, 1930 Bentley, a Lamborghini Murcielago, Maserati Gran and a 1965 Austin Healey 3000 MK3 to name a few.

Fund manager at the North Hampshire Medical Fund, Judith Charmer said: “The whole day went really well and all the drivers praised us for how well organised the event was. “It was such a huge success that we already have the plans in motion to run the event again next year.”

Starting at Farleigh House, Farleigh Wallop the drivers visited Highclere Castle as well as making a stop off at Laverstoke Park Farm.

The event raised more than £19,000 which will be donated to the charity to help provide specialist medical equipment at the Basingstoke hospital.

As well as giving staff access to new equipment which willhelp to improve diagnosis and treatment, it will help train medical staff in the most up-todate procedures and enable the hospital to attract the best consultants in order to ensure a better quality of care.

To find out more about the charity visit nhmedicalfund.org.