“To off-roaders this is Paradise on Earth"

the stricken motors and red-faced drivers.

You only have to watch the participants in action to realise that the warring spirit of the people of Norfolk is as real today as it was in the day of the Iceni. They, and their vehicles, are here to fight whatever is in their way.

For the past three years, this event has been supported by Landrovermonthly. This year, for the first time, we introduced an arena and the popular LRM Driving Challenge. This event, which first made its debut at last year’s Billing Show, is a gentle test of precision driving. Or at least it is supposed to be.

In the hands of the Breckland drivers, it became a highly-competitive race against the clock. Organised by Lynn Twite, co-driver for the challenge was Tim Hammond, whose guidance and patience helped all competitors to negotiate the twisty course. They were driving a standard Defender hard top, supplied by Hunters of Norwich. All entrants received a goody bag donated by Britpart.

Competitors were bantering, egging each other on for faster times. Pride was at stake. The eventual winner in a close battle was Oli Bamforth, followed closely by Jason Mccree.

The weekend also included greenlane runs and, as it was attended by hundreds of campers, there were catering and trade stands, an evening bar and live band.

The event raised over £3000 for two charities: Nelson’s Journey, which supports bereaved children in Norfolk; and SAFFA, based at RAF Marham Norfolk, supporting serving and retired servicemen.

Event organiser Danny Wheatley thanked the volunteers, supporters and sponsors who made the event possible, including the CITB, Hunters Land Rover and JSF4X4, as well as Adrian Flux Insurance, UK Power Networks and Emotive Sound and Light. The infamous mud-run was filled courtesy of a Quinto HGV bowser, run by Wroxham Builders, and tractor recovery was by Dewing Garden Services.

"It was a real team effort," said Danny. "A big thanks to the organising team, for pulling things together during the past six months to achieve a great show. Each year we try new ideas and this year's LRM Driving Challenge and Saturday evening's live band was a great success. We are already starting to plan next year's event."