WHAT do you get when you mix hundreds of scooters with thousands of people in a field? - one of the best-loved events in Essex.

The landmark 25th year of Colchester District Vespa and Lambretta Scooter Club's annual rally attracted upwards of 2,500 people to Mersea Island.

Scooter lovers brought their friends and family to indulge in exhibitions, a ride-out, wheel-themed games, tasty food and trade stalls.

Live bands performed across four different venues while the brave at heart went against the bucking bronco, or each other in the tug-o-war, and got in the spirit of the rally.

Niamh Pennington, of West Bergholt, has been part of the organising committee since the event's infancy.

She said: "This year was absolutely brilliant. The weather was great and though I haven't done the numbers yet, we're looking at between 2,500 and 3,000 people who attended.

"There were no hiccups at all - it was great."

Colchester DVLC established the non-profit making event in 1993. Volunteers pull it off year after year with the help of the Mersea Lions Club, which run the car park and plough the proceeds back into the community, and TEECH, a charity which supports those living in poverty in Eastern Europe.

Fifty-three volunteers were involved in this year's rally.

She said: "Scooter rallies run throughout the country and we were just looking for one to be held in our area. The first year we had about 500 people and it's just grown ever since.

"It was very basic. We just had one venue room with the scooter club DJs and one food vendor, but then it doubled in size the following year so we had to grow with it.

"The rally being fun-packed has made it last so long. There's just so much to do and something for everyone."