GIANTS of the steam age were on display in the North-East at the weekend.

The National Traction Engine Trust held a two-day rally at Beamish Museum, County Durham, at which ten traction engines were in action in and around the goods yard at the museum's railway station.

The machines, once common sights, date from about 1900 to the 1920s.

They included road locomotives, steam tractors, a steam wagon, and a Burrell Showman's Engine.

A museum spokeswoman said: "As well as being a major attraction for Beamish visitors, the event was a training weekend for members of the trust.

"They had the opportunity to attend lectures and to have hands-on experience of safe operating practices with traction engines.