Taking a look at life in the slow lane

The circuit has recently been upgraded to international status but at the weekend steam vehicles travelling at walking pace took centre stage, instead of the powerful racing cars that usually dominate the Wiltshire track.

Ambling steam engines set the pace at four miles an hour, with vehicles from a bygone era crowding the paddock and rows of vintage cars parked alongside the famous race track.

Organisers of the Castle Combe Steam Rally said they were delighted with the turnout for this year's event, now in its 17th year, which benefited from two days of excellent weather.

The rally overflowed from the pit stop and paddock, into the car park, to cope with the increasing number of entries and exhibits.

Chairman of the Castle Combe steam and vintage rally committee, Dennis Marsh, said: "This event grows and grows in popularity every year. We had to close the entries weeks ago. This year we have had entrants from up and down the country, from Newcastle to Cornwall.

"I think the event is so popular because older people can remember the vehicles from days gone by and the younger folk are intrigued to see the old exhibits working."

With the sunshine sending temperatures soaring, visitors flocked to the site on Saturday to give them a bustling start.

Schoolteacher Lisa Kearsley spent hours cleaning up the funnel on her Wallis showmans.

She said: "This is such a nice event. I wouldn't miss it for the world. For me its an ideal stress-free weekend a contrast from my working week."

And it was 'show 'n' shine' for Steeple Ashton's Robert Bullen, who brought his steam driven Foden timber lorry to the show for the first time.

He said: "It's been a labour of love rebuilding this old Foden but all the work over the last six years is well worth it."

A chance purchase of an old bicycle led to a collection of vintage machines for Holt enthusiast, Brian Mortimer.

He was displaying his bicycles spanning back many years, including one of his most unusual, a 55 inch wheel Humber Penny Farthing.

He said: "I used to show a vintage car and a motorcycle until I bought an old bike at a car boot sale. Then I purchased another and another and the collection grew. I just concentrate on bicycles now. At least they don't need any MOTs."

Also enjoying the day was another local enthusiast, Dave Tuck, from Melksham. He has painstakingly restored a 1960 Austin Healey 3000 Mk 1 to its former glory.

He said: "These shows are great for meeting like-minded people, who are also interested in old vehicles."

Also on display was a motorcycle that started life at the Royal Enfield factory in Westwood and now has a new lease of life. Buz Noel, who has renovated his beloved Flying Flea for the second time, said: "This is a very special motor cycle for me. They were produced for use by parachutists in the second world war. I first rebuilt her in 1976 and I have just done so again after striking her down to every single nut and bolt so she is looking her best for these shows."

A new display at the show was one on old commercial memorabilia, presented by Trowbridge's Bob Hallam.

"I have a collection of old oil cans but I have recently built up this assortment of old commercial items," he said.

"I like the old commercials and people who knew collected items and have passed on some of these delightful old bits, on to me."

The biggest draw at the event was the old steam engines the biggest display of steam since the show started, all painstakingly restored to showroom condition by their owners.

In contrast, a much faster mode of transport, the Explorer Air Ambulance which will benefit from the proceeds of the event dropped in.

In previous years thousands of pounds has been raised for the air ambulance appeal through the steam rally, helping to purchase much needed equipment for the paramedics.