A CHARITY benefited to the tune of more than £600 when hundreds of car fans met up in Poole at the weekend.

The event, run by the South West Japanese Car Club, took place on Saturday night at Wessex Gate Retail Park in Poole in aid of The Teenage Cancer Trust.

It was organised by club owners Chris Rymer, 28, and Matt Beddis, 27, who said they were delighted with the attendance.

Matt said: “We couldn’t have asked for a better turn-out. There are hundreds of specially modified vehicles, like Subarus, Civics and Skylines and it is fantastic to see the effort people have gone to get them nice and clean.”

More than 400 Japanese cars were at the event, as well as camper vans, coming from as far away as Bristol and Surrey.

Other clubs, including Morris Minors, BMWs and Ford Capris also attended.

Chris and Matt organise regular meets but decided to do something for charity this time around, with the help of Matt’s partner Lucy Flintoff, 24.

Her employer City Plumbing works closely with the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Lucy added: “I’ve done a lot of charity work for them and am currently organising a charity ball. Matt and Chris both wanted to do something for a charity everyone has been touched by, so I helped them set this up.”

Chris thanked all those who supported the event, particularly companies who donated raffle prizes.

Robert Barrett, 37, co-owner of the newly-formed group Westham Scoobies, based in Weymouth, said: “We convoyed up with six other Subarus, the atmosphere was amazing. SWJCC have done an amazing job with this event.”