But these are no ordinary companions, for Freedom is a VW Bay Window camper van and Bluebell is a 1956 Beetle.

Beetle owner Steve Helliwell is set to join thousands at Harewood House this weekend for one of the biggest VW festivals in the UK.


And Freedom is set to put in an appearance at the event courtesy of owner and neighbour Craig.

Steve's love of the cult-hit camper van and Beetle began seven years ago when he was lodging with a friend.

The 43-year-old, of Forest Bank, Gildersome, said: "I fancied getting a camper and doing a bit of travelling.

"I bought a Bay Window (camper) for £2,000 and went travelling down to Devon and Cornwall."

From there his love of the motors grew and he went on to buy his £7,000 'Splitty' – Split Window camper 'Kenny'.

"I bought it four years ago and since then they have just rocketed.
"You can pay up to £30,000 for one."

Unfortunately Kenny The Camper won't be able to join his counterparts due to repairs, a fact which disappoints Steve, who is a warehouse manager.

But if the rainclouds stay at bay he will be taking Beetle Bluebell down for a spin.

Through his love of retro VWs, Steve went on to share his passion with dozens of other owners at the Harrogate VW club, which will have a stand at the show.

"It's the whole scene. Everyone's so relaxed, so friendly. You go to camper shows and you make new friends.

"I joined the Harrogate club and we go away camping and away for weekends.
"There's the aircooled scene (type of engine used). Most of us are 35 plus who are into aircooled and want to chill out.

"It's more than noise and big stereos and driving fast, it's about the car.

"I feel quite proud of the work I've done on mine.

"As long as it looks nice and is roadworthy I am happy – and everyone has to have a name for theirs. Why? It's because they are part of the family."

The VW Festival will be on the North Front of Harewood House on Saturday and Sunday.

Organisers are expecting over 7,000 Volkswagens – both old and new – at the festival which will attract fans from across the UK and Europe.

l For more information visit www.harewood.org or contact the Harewood Information Desk on 0113 218 1000/1.