Burn-outs will be banned say police

It is estimated that at least 100,000 people will come to the resort for the custom car and VW festival.

Two years ago cars were raced on an industrial estate causing damage to property and prompting widespread complaints.

Police say they can now seize vehicles under fresh legislation.

Inspector Ivan Trethewey, said: "We now have power under section 59 of the Police Reform Act which gives us the specific power to seize the vehicle of anybody causing a public nuisance, or harm or threat of harm to the public.

Festival takes its toll on revellers last year

"We take those issues very, very seriously and we will be using that power to the full."

Young drivers raced their cars on the Treloggan industrial estate.

Richard Lewis, a local company director, said: "We came up in the evening to check on the property and there were burn-outs along the industrial estate, cars parked on our front grass area and rubbish and generally a lot of people causing a lot of trouble."

Next door, Mark Richards has erected high fencing to prevent trouble.

Organisers of Run to the Sun, which has grown every year since the first one in 1987, say it means a �10m boost for the local economy.

Event director Mike Finegan, said: "I do not believe historically that there has been a weekend of trouble.

"I accept that a big influx of people causes a certain amount of trouble, but anything that happens in the town immediately gets tagged with Run to the Sun."

'Mindless minority'

The organisers have made a special appeal for people to leave water-pistols at home after their indiscriminate use last year

Gavin Mosely, who was among the first to arrive, said: "People with water-pistols caused a big problem last year.

"Driving through town, we had to keep the windows open because of the heat, and there were people spraying water pistols into the car."

His friend Russell Kay, said: "The burn-outs caused a lot of trouble.

"People come down here to look at the cars - not to see people making complete and utter idiots of themselves."

The police say rest days have been cancelled for many officers in Cornwall.

Specialist units including dog handlers and the tactical aid group will be on standby.

Paul Wright, tourism officer for Restormel council, said the event was organised "really well" last year.

He said: "We are talking about a mindless minority spoiling it for the vast majority."

And will the sun shine on festival goers this year?

BBC weatherman David Braine predicted sunshine and showers on Saturday and sun on Sunday.