Castle Combe Steam Rally attracts visitors in their thousands

For a change, it was a look at life in the slow lane at the race circuit.

Instead of cars hurtling around the Wilshire track at speeds of up to 160mph, the show was all about steam vehicles that usually travel at walking speed.

Organisers of the Castle Combe Steam Rally said they were delighted that this year the event was held in good weather.

Dennis Marsh, chairman of the rally committee, said: "Luckily we have been blessed with good weather and we have had huge crowds that are some of the best in the event's history.”

The rally overflowed from the pits and paddock into the grass inner circuit to cope with the increasing number of entries and exhibits.

Dennis said: "We had so much interest in our show that we had to close some of the entries weeks ago.

"I think these events are so popular as the older people can remember the vehicles from their younger days and the younger folk have never seen some of these old exhibit’s working."

Line up of steam vehicles spanning the early 1900s on show attracting thousands of visitors for the county’s biggest event of its type. Photo: Trevor Porter 69877-1 (Image: Trevor Porter)

But the biggest entry draw were the old steam engines, one of the biggest displays since the show started all those years ago.

The event attracted over 30 steam working examples going back over the last century.

One steam enthusiast James Mitchell of Melksham said: "We enjoy this event. It always has a great atmosphere."

Along with steam engines from a bygone era were hundreds of vintage and veteran cars, tractors, motorcycles, military vehicles and commercials.

Mark Virgo from the Forest of Dean with Trowbridge’s Alan Hibberd with the two remaining Dot Milk floats in the country. Photo: Trevor Porter 69877-9 (Image: Trevor Porter)

But one double entry attracted much interest due to its rarity; Trowbridge’s Alan Hibberd and Forest of Dean’s Mark Virgo both took their Dot milk floats to the show.

Mark said: “It’s not often we come together to these vintage shows. These two floats are possibly the only remaining examples of them in the country from the forties and fifties.”

Mr Marsh added: “Over the last years many charities have benefited but none more so in recent years as the Jessie May Trust, the chosen charity for the last six years.

“I am pleased we have been able to donate thousands of pounds to this children’s hospice at home.”