A homecoming parade will be making its way across Dorset today to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War.

The parade will also officially kick-start the celebrations for the Great Dorset Steam Fair's 50th anniversary.

The convoy of First World War vehicles, accompanied by a full crew in period dress, will leave Bovington Tank Museum at 10.30am and travel to the Great Dorset Steam Fair site in Tarrant Hinton, stopping off in Blandford Town Centre along the way to delight crowds of supporters.

As part of the parade, spectators will be able to see the British Mk IV Tank Replica from War Horse, a Holt 75 Gun Tractor, a Howitzer Gun, Marching Soldiers (Blandford only), WW1 Motor Lorries, Motorcycle Outriders, and of course plenty of steam!

Great Dorset Steam Fair managing director, Martin Oliver said: “We are all extremely excited to see such an amazing spectacle - it’s unlikely that anything like this will ever be seen again! I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in the organisation and preparation of this road run, without whom it would not be possible.

“Our World War One section has been incredibly popular and at times very moving over the last four years, and it will be an emotional year for us to see it coming to a close at the same time we celebrate our 50th anniversary. We invite the public to come out and show their support along the parade route, and to take the opportunity to come and see our commemorative WW1 centenary section one last time at the Great Dorset Steam Fair this August bank holiday weekend.”

After leaving Bovington Tank Museum at 10.30am the convoy will travel to Tout Hill and then to Bere Regis joining the A35 and A31. The load will continue on to the A354, exiting left off the A354 towards Blandford Town Centre where it will pause for a break (estimated time of arrival is 12.30pm). It will then leave Blandford and head onto the A354 towards Pimperne, before arriving at the Great Dorset Steam Fair showground. Timings are subject to change.

For real-time updates, visit the official Facebook page at facebook.com/GreatDorsetSteamFair).