FANS of children's story character Tractor Ted raced to Bowood House and Gardens in huge numbers over the bank holiday for the Big Machines weekend.

More than 2,500 visitors went along each day of the long weekend with some visiting from as far afield as Manchester, Surrey and Cornwall.

A JCB stunt show and a range of real-life machinery, provided by CLAAS UK, gave fans of the Tractor Ted books and DVDs the opportunity to learn more about the life on a farm.

Tractor Ted marketing manager Jo Sparrow said: “It was absolutely heaving on all three days. It was just absolutely astronomical the number of people around. It was a great weekend for all concerned, youngsters and parents. Just to see the happy children’s faces was a delight and the weather was gorgeous too.”

A combine harvester, square and round balers, a plough and a telehandler all featured with a vintage tractor display and a digger display with Digger Dave.

Fans of the hit series of books and DVDs about farming and the countryside for children between two and six also took part in an eye-spy farming game during a tractor and trailer ride around the Bowood Estate.

In the Tractor Ted Little Farm barn, children were able to see and handle animals, including calves, lambs, hens and chicks, watch incubating eggs and play with friendly guinea pigs and rabbits.

Tractor Ted’s Little Farm is open throughout Bowood's summer season and is included in the cost of Bowood House and Gardens admission.