This year's Iron Horse Festival held in Mineola, Texas, was the most successful in its history, thanks to a slew of classic cars which turned up on the day in order to entertain the crowds.

While the event was not strictly about classic cars, they were certainly a contributing factor in its growth and over 174 vintage vehicles were present at the show.

The vintage vehicle which went home with the award for best in show was a drop top 1947 Packard owned by local resident, Fred Chambers.

Show spokesperson, Bob Smith, said that there were around 30 per cent more classic vehicles in attendance this year when compared to last year's event, with attendees coming from as far as Oregon and Oklahoma.

Interestingly, there was a top prize on the day of a 350 Chevrolet engine which has been recently restored and this was won by Darren Root. This type of prize would be perfect for anyone who is looking to overhaul an ageing vehicle and return it to its original state.

Mr Smith said that the Iron Horse Festival was an obvious success this year and it seems likely that it will continue to grow in 2012.