THOUSANDS of people were all geared up for a great day out as a Renfrewshire charity staged a special fundraising event.

The team at St Vincent’s Hospice brought the CarFest spectacular to Paisley town centre.

In what was labelled the town’s “motoring extravaganza of the year,” people were able to enjoy a close look at a range of vintage vehicles and impressive supercars.

The dream machines also included muscle cars, emergency vehicles and classic bikes.

There were even free rickshaw rides for those who prefer to move around at a more leisurely pace.

As well as treats for motor enthusiasts, there was plenty of family-friendly fun on offer, with fairground rides, children’s entertainment, stalls, a tombola and a prize raffle all proving popular.

As an added bonus, a Formula One simulator was unveiled at the Piazza shopping centre, allowing visitors to pretend they were Lewis Hamilton for the day.

Organised by MaxSafe Solutions and sponsored by business improvement organisation Paisley First, the event offered free entertainment for all the family.

This was the fourth year of the St Vincent’s Hospice CarFest but the first time the event had been staged in Paisley town centre.

All funds raised on the day will help the Howwood-based hospice continue to provide its vital services.

Kate Lennon, chief executive of St Vincent’s Hospice, said: “We were very excited to hold this event in Paisley for the first time.

“We looked forward to meeting old friends and new at this fabulous event.

“Everyone at the hospice is truly grateful for all the support from our local communities.”

Paisley First chairman Ian Henderson added: “We’re thrilled to be supporting the hospice and the CarFest team who brought this great event to Paisley town centre.

“It was a great day out for all the family and all the local businesses joined in the fun too, all in aid of such a worthy cause.”

The event on Saturday kicked off with a procession of more than 100 cars making their way from Renfrew Road into the town centre.

The cars were then on show at locations such as County Square, High Street, Gilmour Street and Johnston Street.

Willie Chrystal, of MaxSafe Solutions, said: “Having set up the initial CarFest a few years ago, after speaking with the fundraising team at the hospice during one of our training courses, I came up with the idea of hosting a show at the hospice.

“It has been fantastically well received by both the car owners and the public alike, with vehicles of all shapes, sizes and years going on show. Everyone has loved it.

“The work that the hospice does for the people of Renfrewshire is exceptional.

“What better way for a petrolhead to have fun and also help raise some money?”