HUNDREDS of visitors took a look at life in the slow lane when Castle Combe race circuit played host to a two-day steam and vintage rally at the weekend.

Instead of cars hurtling around the Wiltshire race track steam and vintage vehicles were travelling at a more sedate speed.

Among stream engines setting the pace at four miles per hour were vehicles from a bygone era crowding the paddock and rows upon rows of vintage cars and motorcycles parked alongside the famous race track.

Show chairman Dennis Marsh explained the interest in a show like the Combe event.

“I think these events are so popular as people can remember the vehicles from their younger days and the younger folk have never seen some of these old exhibits working,” he said.

"We have a great selection of working machines that span decades."

Taking an interest in steam of yesteryear and getting hands on was 12-year-old Malachi Bigland from Devizes.

He likes nothing better than working on the 1914 Marshall traction engine.

He said: "I just love working with these old engines and coming to shows like these.”

Wet weather on Saturday didn’t dampen the interest of hundreds who attended the 31st rally.

And one Trowbridge exhibitor was more than prepared for stormy weather.

Kirsty and Paul Cumming usually show steam rollers and alongside this they brought their newsest exhibit, an 18-foot steam launch that dates back to the late 1920s.

“We don’t mind if it pours with rain this weekend. We have our steam launch that can get us home,” Mr Cumming joked.

One steam exhibitor had it all figured out. Accountant Liz Cox, who lives just a few miles from the circuit was preparing a 1914 Wallis traction engine and a recently restored 1927 Fowler Traction engine.

She said: “My day job is quite stressful and it's relaxing coming to shows like this, a complete contrast.”

Corsham’s Bryan Ford brought along his 1934 Austin Seven. He was travelling down memory lane as he had a similar car years ago but sold it to get married.

Among the vintage motorcycles attracting interest was the 1930s AA bike and sidecar, a common sight on roads decades ago. Vintage enthusiast Jane Lee from Trowbridge admired the bright yellow outfit, remembering seeing them as a child.

This year the steam rally is supporting the Jessie May Children’s Hospice at Home.