Hundreds of steam engines, thousands of visitors and a Guinness World Record - the Great Dorset Steam Fair is celebrating another successful event.

Organisers said it was a bumper show to celebrate their 50th year. More than 500 steam engines travelled from all over the world to take part in the largest display of steam-powered vehicles.

Out of 522 full size steam engines present at the show, 472 were officially recognised as meeting the set criteria and a certificate was presented to Managing Director Martin Oliver by Guinness World Records Adjudicator Richard Stenning.

It took two days to count up and register all of the steam engines in the “500 at 50” section at the Great Dorset Steam Fair, which was just one of many special attractions during this milestone year for the event.

Managing director Martin Oliver said: “I can’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate our 50th year than by achieving a world record. Nowhere else has ever been able to gather this many steam engines in one place and it just goes to show that we really are the biggest steam event on earth. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in making it happen – especially those who travelled across continents to get to us.

“All our exhibitors stepped up their game this year, and each section had something special to offer the visiting public. It’s brilliant that so many people have supported the show repeatedly for decades, and it’s great to hear that others have started a new tradition of an annual visit to us more recently. All are welcome and we are extremely proud of what we achieved with thanks to our staff, exhibitors, and supporters. My Dad would have been chuffed and that’s what it’s all about for me.”

For the first time ever this year, the Great Dorset Steam Fair sold out of camping space as hundreds of thousands of visitors made their way to enjoy the event. This is despite moving a car park to create 50 acres of extra camping space in preparation for increased numbers.

Popular attractions included the World War One Commemorative Centenary Display featuring Guy Martin’s 30-tonne replica WW1 tank Deborah II from Norfolk Tank Museum and the replica War Horse Mark IV tank from Bovington Tank Museum, The Britalian Job wherein a trio of red, white and blue Mini Coopers recreated the famous chase scene from The Italian Job, and of course the sea of gleaming brass and steam that made up the “500 at 50” section.

The dates for 2019 will be Thursday, August 22 to Monday 26. Tickets will be available to book at www.gdsf.co.uk from early next year.