THE region's biggest steam fair celebrates its 50th year with a line-up which organisers claim is bigger and better than ever.

Pickering Traction Engine Rally takes place from August 1 to 4 on Pickering Showground, on the A169 in North Yorkshire.

Organisers are claiming the "biggest line-up of steam showmen's engines ever in the North", together with three stage shows.

These will be presented by Prestons of Potto, the Saunders Steam Collection, and Flower of May Holiday Park.

The vintage and classic sections feature a wide range of classic cars, commercial vehicles and motorcycles.

This year sees a special heavy haulage section with exhibits from the fleets of Pickfords, Sunters, Wynns and Parnabys.

There will also be a traditional and modern funfair, featuring Europe's largest travelling big wheel and the first visit to the show of "reverse" bungee jumping.

Another inaugural appearance will be Godbold's Lings Honda Motocross Display Team, which has appeared on television shows including You Bet and Don't Try This At Home.

Gates open at 10am each day and there is free car parking on site,

Entry costs £6 for adults, £5 for over 65s, £3 for under 16s, free for under 5s and £15 for a family of two adults and three children.