More than 5,000 people packed Cutteslowe Park in Oxford yesterday for the 14th Oxford Mail Motor Show.

The show, combined with a summer fayre, and a children's funfair, offered entertainment for the whole family.

Alongside the motor trade, motorcycle and charity stands, there was a marquee packed with more than 50 arts, crafts, lifestyle, jewellery and gift stands, together with displays of garden furniture.

The cars both classic and new were the stars on the day, and brought drivers on to the site late into the afternoon, despite the England football game against Ecuador.

Wendy Harbottle, group advertisement manager for Newsquest Oxfordshire, said: "Everyone had a fantastic day, and we were extremely busy right up until shortly before 4pm when some people did go home to watch the match.

"There were at least 5,000 people here, which compares very favourably with previous years. All the overflow car parks were full. The weather was great and I'm sure attracted people too."

The event, which started at 10am and finished at 4pm, has now become the major annual showcase for motoring in the county, and is perfect for those considering buying a new car.

Electrician Paul Taylor, 38, from Southwold, Bicester, came to the show with his wife Sarah, 30, and two children Saffron, eight, and Sarah, 11.

He said: "It has been a great day, and we have really enjoyed walking round all the stands.

"We are looking to buy a new car and found the Ford stand interesting, as we want to get a replacement for our Fiesta.

"The Focus S-MAX looked superb now all I need to do is sort out the finances."

Wade Godding, 24, from Oxford, who works for National Car Rental, said: "I really enjoyed it I have taken most of the cars here for test drives through my job."

Eye surgeon Adrian Rubenstein, 36, who lives near Cutteslowe Park, spent a couple of hours pushing his 18-month-old daughter Alexa round the exhibits.

The BMW driver was back for his second visit after dropping in at the show last year and said: "It's a good venue for a nice event."

Clive Stayt, who was working on the Institute of Advanced Motorists stand, said a number of people had signed up for courses.

He added: "This has become a very well established event and, despite the England game, we had a steady stream of customers.

"Some people don't actually sign up on the day, but they come back later after reading through all the information."

Martin Church and his wife Pamela brought their daughter Caroline, 12, to the show.

Mr Church, from Abingdon, a radio operator for Thames Valley Police, said: "We are looking to buy a coup of some kind, and this is the best place to see a wide range of different models."

Andy Crockett, 42, from Evans Lane, Kidlington, was at the show to add a new jeep to his car collection. He already owns a PT Cruiser, a Peugeot 307, and a 1934 model Street Rod.