A Californian Catholic Bishop has taken the unusual step of blessing cars at a rally. He and his fellow clergy were taking part in a new tradition in the courtyard of the Carmel Mission church in Monterey.

More than 50 classic cars were on display at the 'Carmel Mission Classic' which is part of the wider Monterey Car Week.

The Most Rev Richard Garcia attended the event and took part in a service at the church.

"We call on God to bless all these cars and the people who bring them here," Garcia said. "He has blessed us to create great and beautiful work."

Tickets to the blessing cost $50 each and the proceeds go to local charities.

Carmel Mission is already a famous landmark in the area, being the burial place of Father Junipero Serra, who was canonised last year – despite some protest to the Pope.

But now it's becoming known for a different reason. This is the fourth year the car rally has taken place at the church. Rico Tesio, who works at Carmel Mission, said: "We are men of faith. But we are also men of cars".

Cars on display included a 1915 Ford Roadster pickup truck, a 1934 Packard, a 1959 Porsche Carrera, a 1968 Pontiac GTO and a 2005 Ford GT.

More than a thousand people attended as the Bishop prayed a blessing on everyone attending, before they tucked into food and wine.

Additional reporting by Reuters.