VISITORS to one of the North-East's most popular museums had the chance to travel back to the age of steam at the weekend.

Beamish Museum, near Stanley, County Durham, which is dedicated to the region's industrial heritage, hosted a two-day rally of traction engines, road rollers and steam wagons.

Machines, including Fodens, Fowlers and Marshalls, which were built from about the turn of the 20th Century to the 1920s, were on display in the goods yard.

A 1980s Aveling and Porter 12-ton steam roller was of particular interest to visitors, and there was a marquee hosting family activities. The rally was sponsored by bus operator the Go-Ahead Group, which provided a display on transport history.

The rally was part of Museums and Galleries Month.