Over £4000 has been raised for We Love Lichfield by supporters of a classic car tour.

Over 100 vehicles joined the Cannock Chase Classic Car Tour, travelling over 100 miles across Staffordshire, from Lichfield before finishing in Rugeley on Sunday 25th June. Organisers and sponsors First Class Technologies have handed over a cheque for £4000 to We Love Lichfield patron Simon Price.

107 vehicles were waved off from Lichfield Rugby Club with all cars welcomed to Bishton Hall near Rugeley for afternoon tea. Drivers entered from across the UK with a wide range of vehicles, including some historic and modern classics and a couple of American muscle cars. Many famous British marques were represented including Bentley, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Jensen, Lotus, Bristol, Rover, Triumph, MG to specials like Mini Moke and a great selection of foreign makes such as Porsche, BMW, Opel, Lancia, Renault, Citroen, Fiat, Mazda, including a rare German Borgward and Lancia Stratos replica.

Richard Hinton of First Class Technologies and main sponsor said: “I’m delighted to hand over the money on behalf of drivers, passengers, timekeepers, and spectators with special thanks to Wolverhampton & South Staffordshire Car Club who helped in the organisation. We were delighted to sponsor the event for the second year running, to raise money for a very worthwhile local charity.

A huge thanks to so many people for giving up their time including race starter Jonathan Oates, Roy Hatfield of RWH Rally Sport Photos for capturing the event, Four Counties Spice, Grangewood Tennis Centre and Richard and Alice Ryman of Lichfield Maize Maize.”

Simon Price of We Love Lichfield said: “A huge thank you to all involved who have raised vital funds that will help voluntary groups across Lichfield, Burntwood and the surrounding villages. Particular thanks to Richard Hinton of First Class Technologies for coming up with the idea back in 2021, sponsoring the inaugural event, also this one in 2023 and assisting organisers.

“Richard’s event is a perfect example of how local businesses can help We Love Lichfield. If anyone wants to organise a fundraising event or simply donate, please visit www.welovelichfield.com.”

A spokesperson for Wolverhampton & Staffordshire Car Club, who organised the event said: “We’re delighted by the response to this second Staffordshire event and to have over 100 entries. We ran our first event in 2021 and raised £1000 so we’re delighted to beat that target and we look forward to running another fundraising event soon.”