ORGANISERS of the Wiltshire Steam and Vintage Rally are hailing this year’s event as their best one yet with more than 15,000 people passing through the gates.

The rally, organised by the Wiltshire Agricultural Preservation Group, took place over the weekend at Rainscombe Park, the home of Robert and Lady Julia Hiscox in Oare on the outskirts of Marlborough.

And there was something to entertain the whole family including a First World War re-enactment with horses and riders practising lancing as well as motorbike stuntmen jumping through hoops of fire.

Vintage tractors, classic cars, motorbikes and trucks were on display for visitors to admire and there were also several traction engines, 13 steamers plus miniatures and working stationary engines.

Students from Lackham College near Chippenham helped deconstruct an engine of a tractor and in the working area visitors could watch the agricultural vehicles in action ploughing, threshing and silaging.

The rain managed to hold off as well with only a few light showers on the Saturday morning but a beer tent was on hand to shelter all the visitors.

This year also marks the event’s 40th anniversary and all 700 exhibitors received a mug to commemorate.

“It was tremendous,” said one of the organisers Jo Tilling. “It went really well. It was our 40th anniversary this year and we have held the fair at Rainscombe since 2005 and over the years we have raised £37,500.

“The support given to us by all the people who came was absolutely marvellous, it was the best rally ever that we have done.

“I was surprised how many youngsters came and it’s nice to see them come out as they see a lot of stuff they have never seen.”

In 2013, more than 13,000 people attended and this year organisers believe more than 15,000 people are thought to have come through the gates over the weekend raising thousands of pounds for charity the Bobby Van Appeal but the exact amount is not yet know.

Mrs Tilling added: “We would like to thanks everyone that came and the tremendous support they gave, we hope to see them next year.”