FROM 5,000 spectators in the first year to 12,000 last year the Kop Hill Climb is expected to get bigger and better once more.

The historic event was revived in 2009 and spectators can see modern and vintage cars roar up Kop Hill near Princes Risborough.

But no-one expected how successful the event would be, which has already raised £90,000 for charities in the area.

It runs from September 22-23 and will now include a free vintage shuttle bus to Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway.

Chairman of the Kop Hill committee Tony Davies said: "It is unbelievable when you look at how much it has grown.

"But it is celebrating motoring engineering- this is a living museum of motoring heritage."

Money raised has gone to charities such as Iain Rennie Hospice at Home and it sponsors apprenticeships for the motor engineer project, Skidz, in High Wycombe and the Aylesbury Motor Project.

There will be 400 vehicles storming up the hill and 200 on display. There will be a children's area, the Soapbox Derby Challenge and all day entertainment.

Spitfires will fly over the event at 1.15pm. Jim Bounden will be riding his red Wolseley Hornet Special, which is a 1934 model and has been in the family since 1962.

He said of the event: "We want to make it open to the public- to families to everybody. We don't want just the petrol heads."

John Biggs has owned his 1915 Model T-Ford for 20 years, and will be roaring up the hill. He said: "The great thing is the spectators can talk to the driver and get to see the cars close up. It is not about being stood behind a barrier."

Prices range from £4.50- £10. Under 12s are free. Advance tickets can be bought at local information centres.

Go to www.kophillclimb.info