THIS year's Welland Steam Rally was the best ever, say organisers.

More than 30,000 visitors flocked to the village, near Malvern, to see dozens of steam engines and machines of every type.

David Prout, chairman of the Ross-on-Wye Steam Engine Society, said: "I'm a very, very pleased man about the way it's gone. It was the best rally we've ever had."

He admitted that the heavy rain late last week left him slightly worried.

"We had some vehicles stuck in the mud, but were were able to tow them out.

"And the council got on to us a bit about mud on the road, but we had some fire engines so we used their hoses to wash the road clean.

"The field we use belongs to the society, so we can leave it to recover in its own time."

And the bad weather on Friday also failed to deter the crowds from visiting the show.

"I don't know about numbers yet; I haven't even thought about that, but last year we had in excess of 30,000 and I think there was a similar number there"

Traction engines and steam engines of every description were on show, with exhibitors coming from as far afield at Cumbria, Northampton, London and Yorkshire.

An auction held on site, conducted by Ledbury auctioneer Howard Pugh, was also a roaring success with some 1,200 lots being entered.

And one of the most impressive exhibits was a 50-ton steam crane belonging to Bill Parker from the Forest of Dean.

"It's an old British Rail crane, which they used to pick up bridges and all sorts," said Mr Prout.

"They had to get a special police escort to bring it to the field because it's so big."

Next year, an extra special show is promised, as the Ross-on-Wye Steam Engine Society is celebrating its 40th birthday.

"And my own steam engine has its 100th birthday next year, so I'm looking forward to it," added Mr Prout.