CROWDS flocked to a steam rally in Barnard Castle at the weekend.

Classic cars, vintage tractors and steam engines were just some of the attractions on offer at the event which continues today and tomorrow.

Organiser John Toulson, who is a haulage contractor from Middleton-in-Teesdale, began the rally four years ago and it has become a highlight on the world of steam calendar.

Last year, the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease meant the rally had to be abandoned, but at the weekend it came back bigger and better than ever.

Mr Toulson, 56, who owns three steam engines, six old lorries and a showman's caravan, said: "This is our third event and it is definitely twice the size of when it first started.

"At first I didn't want to take on too much and just wanted to see how it would go, and this year we have even had a lot of people wanting to camp here as well.''

Saturday's good weather ensured a large crowd and yesterday, despite the rain, the showground was still packed.

Mr Toulson said the response from the public had been good.

He said: "I was talking to one man who is camping here for five days and he said it was far better than spending £3,000 to go to Spain.

"Another man who came from Australia said it was the best rally he had ever been to.''