THOUSANDS of petrolheads geared up for a big day out at the annual Erskine Classic Car Show.

This was the first year the popular event - organised by the Erskine charity for ex-servicemen and women - has been held at intu Braehead, in Renfrew.

Guests were able to check out more than 200 cars from throughout the decades.

Among the dream machines on display was a vintage Bentley that was once owned by Princess Grace of Monaco.

And a 1950s Austin pedal car proved popular with younger visitors.

As well as the impressive display of vehicles, there were a host of stalls for bargain hunters to browse through.

Children were able to enjoy a funfair and a host of other entertainment, including face painting with the Colour Me Happy team and a birds of prey demonstration, courtesy of experts from Hoots Owls.

Also helping to make sure the day went with a bang were soldiers from the 51st Highland, 7th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, who staged a display of decommissioned weapons.

However, it was the cars who were the stars, with prizes handed out to the most impressive vehicles on show.

Winner of the People’s Choice Award for Best Classic Car in Show was Bishopton man Moreno Pisaneschi and his stunning 1950 MG TD model.

And the prize for Best Modern Car in Show went to Alan Campbell, who enjoyed the chance to display his 2015 Lamborghini Aventador Roadster.

More than 2,000 people attended the car show, raising more than £9,000 to help pay for the care of brave veterans.

An Erskine spokeswoman told the Gazette: “More than 200 cars were exhibited at the show, from old classics to modern day supercars.

“We would like to give a special thanks to the Tartan Tarmac club for all their assistance with the show.

“We’re also grateful to Nespresso Business Solutions for keeping all of our drivers and stallholders happy with complimentary coffee and biscuits throughout the day.

“The move to a new venue at intu Braehead was considered a huge success and we look forward to working with Braehead at next year’s event.”

Erskine has been caring for veterans for more than a century.

The devastation of the First World War highlighted the fact there were insufficient hospital facilities to care for those who were wounded in battle.

Thanks to the generosity of the people of Scotland, the first Erskine Hospital - then known as The Princess Louise Scottish Hospital for Limbless Sailors and Soldiers - was opened in October 1916.

Since then, it has cared for tens of thousands of veterans.

To find out more about Erskine or how you can support the charity, visit the website at www.erskine.org.uk