A REVAMPED exhibition of military history has been hailed a big success by organisers.

The Essex Historic Military Vehicle Association’s Echoes of History show was held at its new location at Purleigh Halt Showground in Barons Lane, Purleigh.

There were hundreds of stalls, vehicles and displays to entertain the thousands of visitors to the show.

The poor weather didn’t put off the public from coming to see the huge number of military vehicles and equipment, ranging from First World War pistols to a massive captured Russian-built Gvozdika 155mm mobile gun which was still in its original condition from the Iraq War.

Historic Military Vehicle Association chairman Colin Tebb said: “We are very pleased with how the show went.

“Friday and Saturday saw horrendous weather which did damage a few of the exhibitors’ displays.

“But everybody pulled together to overcome the strong winds and rain, and they then enjoyed the live music in the shelter of the beer tent.

“Sunday was fantastic though, with sunny weather, huge crowds, great displays and a lot of very happy visitors enjoying everything from Wild West shoot-outs and jive dancing to tank rides and motorcycle displays.”

Mr Tebb added: “This is the first show in this new location and, considering the weather, I think our members and volunteers did an amazing job.

“It was great to see not only so many visitors, but also the exhibitors who braved the elements to set up ready for the weekend.”

Attractions included living history group Spearfish Creek, who demonstrate life in the USA from the 1750s and the Tigers children’s motorcycle display team jumping over people and through fire.

A grand finale saw them jumping over three 1940s American jeeps.

One of the more unusual exhibits was a custom-built car with a 27-litre Merlin Spitfire engine, built by a Maldon engineer.

VIP visitors included some Chelsea Pensioners who enjoyed engaging with the public and seeing some of the equipment they used themselves on display.

The show was officially closed with a majestic fly-over from a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight DC3 Dakota which could be seen and heard circling low over Maldon on Sunday afternoon.