RALLY legend Paddy Hopkirk rolled up to the Rally Drivers’ Ball in his famous Mini Cooper 33 EJB in support of a ex-Burnley rally navigator Chris Wood.

The Irishman, who won the Monte Carlo Rally alongside co-driver Henry Liddon in the same car in 1964, saw a cavalcade of historic cars roll into Hyndburn.

Around 25 historic cars of various makes, models, and ages set off in a convey from Dunkenhalgh Hotel in Clayton-le-Moors, making their way to Broadway where thousands of people turned out to admire them.

The parade, and an evening ball back at the hotel, were held to raise money for Chris who fell off his bike a few days before Christmas two years ago, leaving him with little or no movement below his neck.

He is raising money for his own treatment and that of others with spinal injuries.

The collection showcased a variety of classic racing cars, including rally cars, several entrants from the Le Mans 24-hour race, and a Formula One car from 100 years ago, all of which cruised through Accrington for all to see.

Local X Factor sensation Reece Bibby also performed a surprise gig at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel.

Reece then joined his family at the ball, appearing on stage for a second performance – joining ex-Fame Academy singer Alistair Griffin on the bill.

Chris said: “The party went on until 5am. As usual, when motor sport people get together, we chatted about cars I’m afraid.

“I have known Paddy for a long time because he is a friend of my father Mike, who was a member of the BMC works rally team with Paddy. It was nice that he came along, and nice that everybody got to meet him because he’s quite the hero to a lot of people.”

Chris’ best friend, Kevin Furber, who organised the event, said the ball was a success.

He said: “We raised almost £15,000, and what happened in Accrington was unbelievable. There were 2,000 people out, including James Beattie, the Accrington Stanley players, and the world’s most famous rally driver Paddy Hopkirk.

“We have raised nearly £100,000 for Chris since his accident, and he is setting up a trust that will buy medical equipment which people with similar injuries will benefit from.”