A cavalcade of cars and stars turned the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed into a fast track success.

Up to 150,000 visitors gathered for the three-day petrol head's dream in the heart of the West Sussex countryside.

They were treated to some of the oldest and newest racing cars around, sparkling sunshine and a posse of Formula One racers.

Big names included drivers Fernando Alonso, David Coulthard, Jenson Button and Vitantonio Liuzzi.

They were joined by Scottish film star Ewan McGregor and motor racing legend Stirling Moss.

Mr McGregor was reunited with the BMW bike on which he rode around the world with pal Charley Boorman.

The pair's adventure inspired a book and a TV series called Long Way Round.

This is the 12th year of the festival, organised with military precision by the Earl of March on his Goodwood estate, near Chichester.

Aside from the stars, its main attraction was a 1.16 mile hill climb on parkland roads in the grounds of Goodwood House.

A festival spokesman said: "It has been a terrific three days and the turnout has been great.

"We had bad weather at the end of Friday so had to pack up a little early but Saturday was OK.

"On Sunday, however, the weather was terrific and ensured we ended the event in style."

Fans had the chance to cast their eyes over a host of new cars such as the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, the BMW M6, the Honda NSX-R GT and Ferrari Superamerica.

There were also more than 350 world-class collectors' cars on show.

There was the world launch of the first all-electric supercar, the Venturi Fetish from Monaco, and an appearance by the Pininfarina Maserati Birdcage 75 concept car.

The Earl of March said: "It's fantastic to have so many important supercars launched at the festival this year.

"It works really well for manufacturers and the public because, unlike motor shows, the cars can actually be driven and the public can be part of their debuts."