FORMER South East Cornwall MP Sir Robert Hicks is to officially open the first Great Trethew Vintage Rally – successor to the Morval Rally – over the August bank holiday weekend.

The event will reunite Sir Robert with Maurice Tamblyn.

The Morval Rally, which Sir Robert opened on several occasions, was held on Mr Tamblyn’s land for many years and the opening ceremony will underline the tradition linking the events.

Great Trethew Vintage Rally chairman Mike Elford said: ‘Both have connections with the previous event and I am grateful that they have agreed to support this rally, the eventual aim being to provide financial help to local charities and good causes.

‘Maurice was one of the founders of the Morval Rally and has accepted the role of honorary life president of the Great Trethew Vintage Rally.’

Sir Robert remembers opening the Morval Rally nearly 40 years ago when he was MP for the old Bodmin constituency. After it became South East Cornwall, he did the honour several times during his 27 years as Conservative MP.

He said: ‘It would have been a significant loss to the South East Cornwall rural calendar if this annual event had been allowed to lapse after all these years.

‘It has become a fixture, an event enjoyed both by those participating and supporting and visitors. Those volunteers who have ensured that this event will continue must be congratulated.’

The event takes place on August 26, 27 and 28 at Great Trethew, Horningtops.

The rally will feature vintage tractors, cars and motorbikes, commercial, steam and military vehicles, a fun dog show, craft and country demonstrations, music, live bands and entertainment including children’s entertainment.