Police are trying to find a site for car enthusiasts to meet

More than 400 vehicles turned out at Bitts Park, in Carlisle, on Saturday complete with stripped-out interiors, strobe lighting and top sound systems.

The event was one of the largest organised by Cruise West Cumbria.

Cumbria Police said there were no complaints over the event and they will be working with the group to find a site where they can regularly meet.

Members of Cruise West Cumbria get together by logging on to a website for information on events, and they insist they are not boy racers.

Handbrake turns

One member who attended Saturday's event said: "Boy racer implies people tearing around the streets with music blaring and crashing into things.

"Cruising is a more relaxed, social event - people come to look at cars. It's fun and with the police down here it stops that negative element happening."

Pc Simon Taylor said moves such as hand-brake turns will not be tolerated.

He said: "The organisers have put leaflets out telling people that if they come and play some music and show off their car, we have no problems with it."

The young car enthusiasts now want a private site where they can practice handbrake turns and other stunts.

Police said they are negotiating with landowners in the region to find a site where the young people can show off their cars and manoeuvres.