THE King is dead, long live the King as Fenland people were among the first to see, almost in the flesh, the legendary Stig.

The accidental star of BBC’s Top Gear programme, unmasked and effectively ‘defrocked’ after a court case last week, was back in form at the weekend with appearances at the fourth annual Skylark vintage and country show.

Thousands poured into the showground at Manea for a weekend that included flypasts by World War II aircraft, displays of vintage vehicles ranging from steam engines to lorries, and enjoyed dog displays, pony rides, fairground attractions, and historic re-enactment groups.

But it was the appearance of The Stig that proved a highlight for many youngsters who clamoured to get his autograph and be photographed with him.

Alex Crowley had even more cause to remember the day- celebrating both his birthday and an opportunity to ride alongside The Stig in the arena.

One of the more comical moments came as organisers tried to persuade Stig to take the reins of a go kart and do a tour of the arena but he declined to do so.

It was then suggested he might try a vintage cycle but he declined that too.

However when organisers asked if he would climb aloft a THREE wheeled vintage cycle he agreed.

Enthusiast Colin Bedford was on hand to provide the necessary wheels and the crowd whooped with delight as The Stig did a lap of honour before being embraced by even more youngsters anxious for his autograph.

Show organiser Paul Salter said incorporating a special tribute marking the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain “really did ensure the show soared to new heights”.

Displays on both days included a Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane, with Manea Silver Band playing the Dam Busters theme as they flew overhead, rounding off with Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines.

Charities, too, benefited from the weekend, with hundreds of pounds being raised by the East Anglian Air Ambulance, Macmillan Nurses, Kisses for Children and Children in Africa charities.

“Next year’s show is already booked,” said Mr Salter. “It will be even bigger and even better.”