MOTORS take over for the day in Malton this weekend as everything from vintage tractors to championship rally cars head into town.

Organisers are gearing up for the third Malton Motor Show - and promise it will be the biggest and best yet.

The man behind the event, Steve Smith, said many more attractions would be steaming into the town on Sunday.

Mr Smith, who runs the Barker Smith Ltd Renault dealership, said: "Everything is pulling into place quite well, it falls together quite easily really.

"We ran the first one two years ago because all the agricultural shows were cancelled due to foot and mouth, and there were 29 people on the committee.

"Now it's just down to me and Colin Hesford from the district council."

Street entertainers, clowns, buskers and a wandering jazz band will be among the performers keeping the crowds happy on the day.

Wheelgate will be closed for the day with trade stands and motor displays filling Malton's main street and Market Place.

"We have got a steam engine coming for the first time, which belongs to our MEP, Robert Goodwill," said Steve.

"That will be at the bottom of Wheelgate at the traffic lights, which will look very impressive I think."

British rally champion Johnny Milner will be there with his winning car and support team - Malton hosts the penultimate leg of the British Rally Championships in September.

Mr Smith added: "The cafs are coming out on to the streets and there will be barbecues taking place outside in the town centre, too.

"If the weather stays nice it will be wonderful."

Nine car dealers will share the limelight during the event, and despite offers from York dealerships, Mr Smith said he was keeping things local.

"This is for the Ryedale area and we are keeping it for Ryedale dealers," he explained.

"We could not cater for more dealers, so we thought it would be fairer to keep it for Ryedale people."

The fun runs from 11am to 4pm and is free - with any donations going to Malton Hospital.

Last year's event raised more than £3,000 for the cause.

Updated: 10:01 Tuesday, July 15, 2003