IT was full steam ahead at the weekend as the biggest rally in Wiltshire, the Heddington and Stockley event, came back on the show calendar.

Steam Rally Committee Chairman Jerry Field said: "After a prolonged absence, and all the trials and tribulations of the last three years, we are delighted to welcome everyone to the Heddington and Stockley Steam Rally and Country Fair.”

“It has been a difficult and long haul and I would like to pay tribute to the volunteer committee members for their efforts in organising this popular event.”

Pleased to be back to the show field was Chippenham’s Andrew Hurkett who brought his 1904 Aveling and Porter ten-ton roller a machine that once featured in a film.

Andrew said: "This old girl is better known as the roller from the 1953 film the Titfield Thunderbolt, driven in the film by Sid James, so it's good to be back on the show field so everyone can view her.”

The roller also has more local history. It once belonged to Barnes of Southwick, the company that used to be contractors to Wiltshire County Council for road construction

Among the dozen full size steamers was a Mann Patching roller belonging to Beckington’s Chris Wood.

He said: ”She is the last of 29 machines made and was brought back into steam 12 years ago. It’s good to see machines like this restored and back into full working order as part of our heritage.”

Making its debut at the show was the Miniature Steamer belong to Bromham’s Tim Osbourne.

He said: ”It’s a half-size Burrell agricultural engine which I finished in lockdown and now I am delighted to bring her to Heddington to make its debut at this steam show.”

Alongside the biggest selection of steamers in the county were dozens of stationary engines, scores of vintage tractors, vintage motorcycles and hundreds of vehicles from yesteryear ranging from a 1922 Model T Ford car to a 1946 ERF commercial lorry that spent its life as a dray lorry for Trowbridge brewery Ushers.