JUST as the organisers had predicted, the ninth annual Portland Steam andVintage Show held at Southwell Park was bigger and better than ever.

With close on 400 exhibits of full size and smaller steam engines,stationary engines, cars, motorcycles, tractors, classic caravans and military vehicles on display, there was plenty for visitors to get all steamed up about.

Among the full size engines was the Hayden Princess, a general purpose engine built in 1901 and used for threshing and timber haulage and donated by the late Jack Miles of Charminster to Dorset Museum from where it was on loan for the show. Great interest was also shown in the Alfred Pearce & Co rack saw bench engine, built in 1926 and used for making fences and gateposts.

The oldest car displayed was an Alison Electric from 1902 and the motorbikes spanned the years from 1924 while the oldest military transport was a Second World War Raleigh Folding Bicycle.

In addition to all of this, there were static displays of the private collections of many people who delight in sharing their interests to give pleasure to others.

Among the more unusual were the collections of telegraph and power insulators from many countries, petrol cans, Victorian table-top organettes and a splendid, nostalgic model steam and funfair built into a lorry. Entertainment was provided with many displays including Wildcats motorcycles, a shoot-out by the Portsmouth Wild West Re-enactment Society and music from Portland Community Swing Band and West Dorset Accordion Group.

Chief organiser Mick Mulley said: "Thanks to so many people, especially our main sponsors Portland Spa, along with the directors of Southwell Park, Windmill Stables and all who support us year after year."