EXCITED crowds brought towns to a standstill as the Ferrari Owners' Club roared across South Lakeland for the first time in history.

Seven cars with a combined value of more than £2million ensured people flocked to the streets as they were driven through Bowness, Ambleside and the Kirkstone Pass.

On show was a car from each of Ferrari's current range, including the 458 Italia, F12 and the F430.

The drivers, who come from across the North West, gathered at the newly-refurbished Burnside Hotel before making their way to the Lakeland Motor Museum on Saturday, July 11.

They spent a night in Bowness before heading back down the M6 on Sunday, July 12.

Dave Richards, Sales Executive at Stratstone, the dealership that organised the visit, said: "It was lovely scenery and we had a fantastic time. It was great because the seven Ferraris driving through Ambleside stopped the traffic and people were taking photos and videoing.

"The people who came on the weekend were sensible business people - it's not a jolly. It's like-minded people in a lovely location."

Richard Berry, owner of the Burnside Hotel and a member of the Ferrari Owner's Club, said: "The problem with Ferraris is that most of the time they're in garages so to actually go somewhere is a change. It was a lovely weekend."

One club member, who travelled from Cheshire for the event, was Graham Marginson, who was delighted that it gave Ferrari owners the chance to put their supercars to good use.

He said: "It was great to use the Ferraris how they were meant to be used and not have them stuck in the garage. The weather was fantastic and it was nice to go through Bowness causing a bit of a stir - it's not often you see seven Ferraris in convoy!"