The driving force behind this year's Helston Motor Show has hailed Sunday's event as a triumph.

Mick Timpson, who heads the show's organising committee, said although the figures had not been completed yet he already knew that over £2,000 more had been taken on the gate than last year. "There were more people and it was a better day. People were spending more money," he added.

The emphasis at this year's show, sponsored as always by the Packet, was music, dance and fun - and it appeared the right way to go, as all the main stage acts received a rapturous reception. Sweet Flava - the junior version of Flava, who reached the semi finals of last year's TV show Britain's Got Talent - wowed with their hip hop dance skills, while Jeff Jay and his partner Polly proved how versatile they were by performing a variety of acts including Norman the Doorman on his trampoline, circus skills and knife throwing.

Pupils from Parc Eglos primary school got up on stage to perform, including the infant choir, and the school also had a trade stand. Other demonstrations were from the Misty Mountain Line Dancers, Helston Youth Dance Group and a Punch and Judy show from Professor Goodvibes. Cornish Leaf and Coil Club, a 4x4 off-roading club, were encouraged to perform for the first time ever and Mr Timpson said it could now be the start of a future of performing for them.

Cornwall Bike Restoration, based in Helston, attracted around 40 motorbikes to the show - ten times more than usual. Meanwhile the six car dealerships that were at the show had a successful day of trading, with Falmouth Garages selling three cars on the day, said Mr Timpson. He said the event proved the success of last year's move to the grounds of Wendron Football and Cricket Club. "We're all delighted with the move. Last year we were stepping out into a void and didn't know what to expect. This year we have consolidated on that and we're very happy. I'm just pleased with the way things have turned out. Thank you to everybody who made it a success," he added.

Mr Timpson said the bus service running between Helston and the showground worked particularly well. Andy Orchard, advertising manager at the Packet, said: "We are delighted to be associated with the Motor Show for another successful year and looking forward to working with all the traders and the committee in 2010.

Organisers are already gearing up for next year's Motor Show, which will take place on Sunday, June 20 2010.From Packet Newspapers...