TWO good causes are steaming away after sharing in a donation of more than £13,000.

The bumper amount was raised through trailer rides around the Great Dorset Steam Fair’s Heavy Haulage Arena.

The popular steam fair is held at the Tarrant Hinton showground in August, and proceeds from the trailer rides are given to charities.

The rides have become a tradition at the event with the public being able to get up close and personal to the big loads, the many engines and activities which take place in the arena.

All money raised is allocated to two designated charities on an annual basis with the 2016 recipients being Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance which received £10,266, and Blandford Opportunity Group which were handed a cheque for £3,265.

Fundraising co-ordinator for the air ambulance Leanne Colverson said: “This cheque represents a significant contribution to our overall money raising efforts and is greatly appreciated.”

Sharon Kervern, group leader at Blandford Opportunity Group – which provides support to 30 young people with special needs – said: “This is a magnificent gift from the Great Dorset Steam Fair and will help enormously in our efforts to support young people in the area.”

Great Dorset Steam Fair managing Director Martin Oliver said: “We are delighted and honoured to be able to make donations to such worthy local charities.

“Plans for next year’s steam fair to be held from 24 to 28 August 2017 at Tarrant Hinton are already taking shape and once again we will be organising the charity trailer rides in support of local causes.”

Mr Oliver also paid tribute to all the engine men, crews and volunteers that helped with the charity trailer rides. and the many volunteer helpers without whom the trailer rides would not be able to function.

The presentation of the cheques took place made at The Coppleridge Hotel, Motcombe.