Enthusiasts from all over the world gathered in Benson on Sunday for one of the largest gatherings of vintage bicycles ever seen.

Among those proudly showing off their magnificent machines and taking part in a parade and rally were Archie Piggott, 10, left, and Callum Piggott, 12.

The 50th Benson Veteran Cycle Rally attracted 274 bikes of all shapes and sizes, built between 1875 and 1928.

And despite their age, only two broke down during the 11-mile-long rally.

Organiser Ned Passey, 89, who decided to form the Benson Veteran Cycle Club and hold the first rally after rescuing a Penny Farthing from a scrapheap in 1958, said: “It was absolutely spot-on.

“We started off with 35 bikes in 1960 and every year it has grown bigger.

“I shouldn’t think there has ever been a bigger veteran bike rally anywhere.”

There were 32 wooden-framed Bone Shakers – the forerunners of modern cycles – in the starting line-up, dating from the late-19th century.

Exhibitors had come from as far afield as Australia, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic to take part, as well as dozens of cycling fans from the UK.