THOUSANDS of petrol heads descended on Abingdon this weekend for the 'biggest ever' Oddballs Rally.

The scooter spectacle attracted enthusiasts from as far afield as Scotland and France for the three-day charity festival, which has been gaining in popularity since it launched in 2015.

Vince Wooloff, who created the event after friend Ron Morgan died of cancer, said: "We had more than 2,000 people this time which is the biggest ever and I'm convinced we would have reached 2,500 if not for the rain on Sunday."

He said totals were still being counted from the rally, held at Abingdon Rugby Club, but fundraising had passed£9,000, making it the most successful ever.

Last year 1,400 revellers raised £8,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust, as well as another £1,000 for Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a bereavement charity for children who have lost military family members.

Mr Wooloff said: "The majority will go to the Teenage Cancer Trust again, with some also going to CLIC Sargent, a charity that also helps young people with cancer and their families."

Each Oddballs Rally is themed and this year festivalgoers took to the high seas by donning pirates outfits, with prizes for the best dressed buccaneer.

There was also an unusual sight for villagers on Saturday, as hundreds of costumed riders headed to Drayton and Sutton Courtenay.

Across the long weekend there was music from eight live bands, the biggest being a performance from classic punk/psychobilly group King Kurt, who this year celebrate the 35th anniversary of their first album.

Other bands included The Corsairs, Millie Manders and The Shut Up, No Lip, Filthy Spectacular and Rotten Aces.

Games included a chilli hot wings challenge plus space hopper racing, and there was also a custom scooter contest with more than 20 trophies up for grabs, plus traders and food vendors.

A pair of raffles gave scooter fans the chance to win a customised Vespa scooter donated by RPM Scooters in Baydon and a customised Lambretta, finished in honour of Mr Morgan. Next year's theme is Cowboys and Indians. Details will be available on Facebook by searching Oddballs Rally 2019.