WHEELS and more wheels took over the reins from horses hooves at York Racecourse this weekend.

On Knavesmire, the York and Leisure Motor Show provided acres of family attractions as well as a fleet of old and new cars.

Across in the racecourse building was an exhibition devoted to bikes - not just the traditional two-wheeled variety but a host of state-of-the-art pedal-powered innovations.

The Motor Show, organised by the Minster Lions (York) Club, in association with the Evening Press and Minster FM, started off with a cavalcade to Knavesmire where more than 1,000 classic and vintage cars were on display.

Car clubs were represented at the show and 20 new car distributors showed off their wares in the motor village.

For younger visitors there was a vintage fire engine and a classic bus, as well as displays by the four-legged members of the Cheshire Canine Dog Display Team.

Thousands of visitors also got the chance to browse around stalls raising money for charity, and the overall proceeds raised by the Lions will go to two local charities York Motor Neurone Society and York Respiratory Trust.

George Bennett, Minster Lions chairman, said: "We are amazed at the number of people who have come to the show. It's a fantastic turn-out.

"We're particularly pleased with the motor village this year and as usual it's been a great family day out."

Over at the racecourse, the space normally reserved for taking bets down by the track was full of cyclists young and old trying out weird and wonderful bikes.

The Encyclopaedia show gave people the chance to try out the latest in contemporary cycles and Mick Thomas said visitors and exhibitors had arrived from across the world.

Models ranged from fold-up commuter bikes to electrically assisted bikes, from the family-sized four-seater ZEM bike to the Radius recumbent bike, where the cyclist lies back to pedal.

Peter Spear travelled from Devon to try out some bikes for size and said he had enjoyed riding an electric-assist bike.

He said: "I've been meaning to come to York for some time because it is known as a cycling city."

Paul Abel, who tried out a recumbent tandem tricycle with one of his sons, said: "It's been great fun to try out the bikes."

Inside, a range of exhibitors showed off the latest in bike design.

Both shows were open again today.