THE GROUNDS of Pendennis Castle were packed with MX5 cars on Sunday to celebrate 18 years of the MX5 Car Owners Club and their 2012 Spring Rally.

Hundreds of cars continued arriving well into the afternoon with club members attending from as far as Belgium and Holland.

This was the first time the English-Heritage has hosted an MX5 rally of this scale at the castle.

Hospitality and events manager, Loraine Matthews said: “I am absolutely delighted with the day and would love to see them again.”

Tim Alderidge from the 'Cornish Fives' said: “Falmouth and Cornwall have some of the best roads for the MX5 although we don't drive around in convoy.

“The car is perfect for them because of its size, handling and of course it is stunning. We would love to hold another event here and ultimately increase business to Falmouth.”

Visitors were entertained with music from the 'Great Western Jazz Company', and members of the, 'Aberfal Oggymen'.

One Mazda owner, Pat from Salisbury, said: “We have been members for over six years and this is the first time we've been to Falmouth.

“The club is like one big family and the location is wonderful we would love to come back.”

The opening ceremony was conducted by Mayor Geoffrey Evans who welcomed club members to Falmouth and thanked those who had travelled so far to be there.