Steam enthusiasts had a field day at the start of a

Westcountry town's 25th annual vintage rally yesterday

Locals and holidaymakers braved wet weather to get close to

vintage cars, tractors, motorcyclists and steam engines, and

enjoy the entertainment on offer at the Padstow Vintage

Rally.

The rally continues from 10am today  and tomorrow.

Thirty-five steam engines, 80 cars, 87 stationary engines, 67

bikes, 30 commercial vehicles and more than 25 model exhibits

are taking part.

Attractions  include a miniature four-inch McLaren engine

from Lymington  in Hampshire, and a two-inch Mason engine

from Bournemouth.

The Drakes of Hazzard - Mark Wylie and his sheepdogs and 

a troop of Indian runner ducks - have travelled from Loch

Lomond in Scotland to display their skills.

Rally spokesman Alan Collings said around 4,000 people,

including the exhibitors, were present yesterday.

He said: "The Drakes' display  with the ducks was superb

and well received. We've had a record number of steam engines

and tractors, and a lot of people through the gates which, for

a Friday, is superb.

"I think we've well and truly exceeded what we normally do on

a Friday. We've been very lucky this year - we've got a camping

field with people from as far as Northampton and Gloucester.

Some of our exhibitors have travelled miles."

A number of Nuffield  tractors are present to celebrate

the tractors' centenary. Over the weekend, massive 10-ton

dancing diggers will make a return, amusing the crowds with

their "ballet" performance and party trick - delicately

cracking an egg.

The Cornish Parachute Club will drop in today and

tomorrow  depending on the weather, jumping into the arena

from 10,000ft.

The popular Vikings, cowboys and Indians, heavy horses and

children's entertainment will also be available.

The rally raises money for Cornwall children's charities

and  will this year benefit Penhaligon's Friends, Ellie's

Haven and Padstow, St Issey and Indian Queens Primary

schools.

For more information and the full programme of events, visit

www.padstow-rally.co.uk