Wags of the doggie tail variety proved a showstopper at Home Farm when enthusiasts flocked to the annual Heddington and Stockley Steam Rally at the weekend.

Crowds turned out again to see some of the usual and more unusual attractions that helped to make the event one of the best in its 34-year history.

There were the usual vintage cars, motorcycles, tractors, commercial vehicles, not forgetting the steam engines for the traditional steam rally followers.

But, according to committee chairman Jeff Brown, it was a display by the UK’s premier terrier dog racing team, the Tricky Tykes, that went down a storm with the big crowd – along with ferret and lawn mower racing. The Tykes’ publicity says they are guaranteed to cause mayhem.

“They were so funny, really amusing, and you could tell they were enjoying themselves because their tails were wagging the whole time,” said Mr Brown.

“Every year we get together in the October to discuss what we can do to keep bringing in the crowds and I think we did really well again this year, we will definitely have made a profit.

“The falconry display was also really popular, and what I thought was brilliant was that they got some of the children from the audience to take part and they loved it.”

Mr Brown, who took over from his father David as chairman six years ago, attended the first rally in 1976 when he was ten and has been to every one since.

“I was brought up with the rally and it is only right to carry it on for the younger generations.

“We aren’t the biggest rally in the country but what keeps me going is when people come up to me and shake my hand and say what an excellent show – it makes the hard work so worthwhile.”

Another new attraction was the 1st Bengal Cavalry who performed a battle re-enactment from the Raj days in India.

Main exhibits included vintage traction engines, stationary engines, tractors, classic cars, bygones and models, military and commercial vehicles.

Mr Brown said: “We will all have a bit of a rest now before we start planning the next one. I was really impressed this year to see so many young people helping out and wanting to get involved, because they are our future and it is good to know they are willing to help.”