LAST weekend's annual steam fayre and vintage vehicle rally organised by the West Somerset Railway Association proved to a real record breaking affair with around 11,000 visitors flocking to the two-day event. The rally has grown in size year on year, with visitor numbers this year estimated to have been up by at least 3,000 people on the previous event. Visitor numbers for the neighbouring West Somerset Railway were also boosted by the rally and fayre, with ticket sales on the Saturday alone estimated to have increased by a staggering 500 per cent. Show organiser Mike Grimoldby said the association's volunteers had worked hard for many months to ensure the rally was a success, while hundreds of people had made use of a free shuttle bus service between the Bishops Lydeard showground and Taunton. Once at the ground, visitors were able to leave the hustle and bustle of modern life behind as they took a nostalgic step back in time. Not only were they able to relive the age of steam with a grand display of lovingly restored steam rollers, ploughing engines, steam lorries and the magnificent showman's engine Quo Vardis, there were classic cars and motorcycles from the not too distant yesteryear. Members of the Police Vehicle Enthusiasts' Club were at the rally for the first time with Panda cars and Wolseley 440s from the 1950s. There were also vintage fire engines, military vehicles and tractors, including a 1936 Case model C which was driven by actress Anna Friel in the film Land Girls. Visitors were able to see many of the vintage vehicles in action, as well as magnificent shire horses pulling ploughs and drays. The event, which was sponsored by Rodhuish- based Styles Ice Cream, also featured a large craft tent, numerous refreshments, children's entertainment, an agility dog display and modellers' exhibition. Photo: Norman Hawkes.