AFTER a three year wait the Heddington & Stockley Steam Rally came back with a blast to celebrate its 40th year anniversary this weekend.

Even the heavy rain early on Saturday morning did not deter the some 8,000 visitors, who came out for the exhibition, which donates all profits to the Heddington Amenities Fund.

With 340 machines on display throughout the weekend, revellers enjoyed a festival festooned with vintage cars, motorbikes, engines and tractors.

Steam Rally chairman, Michael Wilkinson, said: “We were a little caught by the weather. It was bad but it had hardened off again later in the day and we were okay after that.

“We turned up on the Saturday with a quagmire but by mid-afternoon it was nice and dry again and it never deterred the people’s enthusiasm and everyone chipped in and were in good spirits.

“It is one of the best local steam events you can go to and we felt it was a great spectacle again and fantastic that we resurrected it for the 40th anniversary.”

There were not only vintage machines for spectators to see but falcon displays, stalls, stands, model tents as well as a sheep dancing show.

The event managed to raise £16,000 for the amenities fund, which will now go towards worthy local organisations and causes.

“We changed the committee and had a new and enthusiastic team," added Mr Wilkinson. "We felt it was high time the rally was reinstated as it was so popular.

“We do hope to hold it again next year but we are just really happy that it came off so well. It was worth the effort and was a good reward.

"The amount of money raised is fantastic. That is purely profit and so it is very good."