People took a trip back in time with a display of classic motor vehicles and stationary engines at Mangerton Mill near Bridport.

The vintage two-day event held at the mill last weekend was organised by Richard Gaylard and his family, and this year aimed to raise as much money as possible for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and charity the Weymouth Soup Kitchen.

The annual event raises money for different charities every year.

Richard, who lives in Broadwindsor, was involved in a motorbike accident a couple of years ago and needed assistance from the air ambulance.

He said he now wanted to do as much as he could to give something back to the charity that helped him in his time of need – as well as also supporting another local Dorset charity.

Richard added: “We have been holding the vintage weekend for about 20 years; my dad used to organise it and run it so it is very much a family tradition.

“The weekend had a display of vintage vehicles, stationary engines and more and proves quite popular each year.

“This year we probably had the same amount of visitors as last year; the rain on Saturday morning may have put a few people off but once the skies cleared up we saw more people visit.”

The vintage display was held from 10am to 4pm on both days last weekend at Mangerton Mill, a three story watermill on the river Manger near Bridport.

Mangerton Mill was originally a grist and flax mill last worked commercially in 1966, with some parts of the watermill dating back to the 17th century.

It is now a workable grist mill with all its machinery including an overshot waterwheel.

Richard said: “The fundraising total for the weekend is still being added up so unfortunately we don’t know the actual amount raised yet.

“But a massive thank you must go to everyone who came to display their vehicles, everyone who visited, everyone who donated money and all the people involved in helping organise the event.”

For more information about Mangerton Mill go to visit-dorset.com or call the mill on 01308 485224.

Supporting the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance

Tracy Bartram, communications manager for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, said: “We’re delighted not only that Richard is well following his accident, but that he has gone on to fundraise for us and took the time to organise what sounds like a great event.

“It’s brilliant that patients of the air ambulance go on to recover but also realise the importance of the air ambulance and how it played a part in potentially saving their lives.

“We’re also delighted that the event went so well, supporting the air ambulance in helping us to raise the £1.7 million a year that keeps the ambulance helicopter flying.

“A massive thank you must go to Richard, and we hope that he will keep in touch.”

For more information on the air ambulance, visit www.dsairambulance.org.uk.