THERE was plenty for motor enthusiasts to get hot under the collar about as this year's Heddington And Stockley Steam Rally went full steam ahead.

Black clouds hung over the event, but there was no danger of rain - the only thing in the air was jets of diesel smoke being pumped by super-charged tractors competing in the pulling event.

Local tractor puller and director of Stockley-based Brown Excavations John Summers entered a monstrous hand-built puller, powered by two 38.8-litre Russian tank engines.

The tractors revved up their engines at the start of a 100-metre dirt track, with an earth mound placed at the other end as a security measure. They were then hitched to a special vehicle, which measured the power of each tractor's pull.

The event, which was held at Home Farm, Heddington, pulled in some of the biggest names in tractor pulling, who take part in events across Europe.

Last weekend's two-day event, originally set up in 1974, drew its biggest ever crowds.

There were steam engines of gigantic proportions, ranging from steamrollers to tar tankers. Also dotted around the site were much smaller steam engines, ranging from devices used to create electricity to wood choppers.

There were fairground organs, vintage cars, lorries, tractors, fire engines and military vehicles, including a Second World War self-propelled gun, and enough motorcycles to get even the most choosy enthusiasts steamed up.

Rally co-ordinator Lynne Sargeant said: "It was a very good weekend. All the organisers really enjoyed themselves and I hope the public did too, and I believe we have made a good profit for the village."

Anita Johnson and husband Bryan, from Heddington, help as often as they can at the rally.

"It's fabulous and every year there's a tremendous buzz in the village," Mrs Johnson said.

"Everyone we've spoken to says it's brilliant, but I'm not exactly sure what the appeal is.

"Maybe it's the smell or the noise, but I think it's because there really is something for everyone and every year it's a little bit different.

"We have lived in the village for 23 years and we always look forward to the rally."

Motor fan Rob Isom, 46, an agricultural engineer, who used to exhibit his vintage fire engine and tractor at the show, travelled from Somerset to be at the event.

"A lot of local shows are a little bit limited, but this show's got a bit of everything," he said.

"I've always been interested in motors and this is one particular show that we look forward to every year."

The rally kicked off to a good start when the event's new commentator David Milton was introduced.

He replaces Gerry Burr who commentated at the rally for a number of years, but died last year.

Stunt bike team Xtreme from North Yorkshire made their first appearance at the show and there were dozens of stalls, a craft tent and donkey rides.