THE United Kingdom's biggest, free commercial vehicle rally celebrates its 20th anniversary in Eden over the Easter weekend.

Centred on Kirkby Stephen and Brough over two days, one of the highlights happens at 8pm on Saturday night when a convoy of well-preserved vintage vehicles takes to the nearby fells.

Organisers say that this year there will be 300 restored buses, coaches, vintage wagons, lorries and vans, Land Rovers, tractors, bikes and farming vehicles will be showcased.

Transport between the two centres will be available with donation-only classic bus rides. The classic bus route will start at the Victorian Kirkby Stephen station, on the Settle-to-Carlisle Railway, which acts as the gateway to the event.

A highlight is the road run through the fells taking place on Saturday, starting at 8pm. The evening procession will delight crowds lining the route as the fells of the Westmorland Dales create a spectacularly beautiful backdrop for photographers to take pictures of the procession.

Entry is free for exhibiting historic, commercial vehicles and the free, family-friendly event features a vintage funfair and other activities for children, plus local artisan craft and food stalls and extended parking to manage visitor numbers comfortably.

From 2018 onwards Encounter Eden, a not-for-profit, social enterprise designed to give the area an economic boost with a series of events in the region will co-ordinate the classic commercial vehicle rally.

The rally has been organised for the last 19 years by the Eden Classic Vehicle Group and the now-retired Hamer family.