THOUSANDS 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. Instead of cars hurtling around the North Wiltshire track visitors turned out at the weekend to see steam vehicles that travelled at walking speed.

Organisers of the rally said they were delighted with the turnout for this year's event, its 30th anniversary.

Chairman Dennis Marsh said: "The number of exhibits is greater than ever with a varied collection of vehicles and static exhibits, including quite a few new ones. The number of steam entries is the biggest we have ever seen here at Combe.”

The Bullen family travelled from Stert near Devizes with their 1926 Foden steam tractor Perseverance. The steam engine was supplied new to the Kirby sawmills in 1926 and the group has restored the old engine and presented it in the livery of its first owner Arthur Kirby.

Chippenham's Steve Rodenhurst is a train driver by day and at weekends often drives steam locos on heritage trips. He was letting off steam at the Combe event displaying a machine of a different sort, a Marshall portable 12hp that used to power a sawmill in Chile.

And it was a trip down memory lane for Corsham car enthusiast Brian Ford. He brought his 1934 Austin Seven to the show. The car was similar to the one he drove taking out his girlfriend, who later became his wife.

Andrew and Liz Cox, of Warwick, have spent 11 years restoring a 1929 Fowler agricultural engine.

Mrs Cox said: “Every nut and bolt was stripped down and rebuilt. It was a real labour of love and it's a great feeling to bring this grand old lady of steam to the rally especially as the event is celebrating its 30th year."

Steam engine driver Colin Hatch of Swindon only shows where he can drive his 1901 Burrell engine and loves the Combe event.

He said: "It's the first event of the season and for me it’s the best. There's a great atmosphere here."

Mr Marsh said he thought the event was so popular because it gave people a chance to reminisce.

He said: “People can remember the vehicles from their younger days and the younger folk have never seen some of these old exhibits working.”

The show was raising money for the Jessie May Trust, a charity that helps families of terminally ill children.