TRACTION engines of all shapes and sizes have been trundling through the highways and byways of the Suffolk and Essex countryside.

Up to 14 of them, along with steam cars and tractors, took part in the Sudbury Steam Tour, organised by the East Anglian Traction Engine Society.

And it is hoped that a collection en route and at stopping points along the way has raised up to �400 towards an appeal to help a four-year-old girl.

They set off on Saturday morning from the Webb Truck Equipment yard, in Acton Place, Acton, passing through Sudbury and Bulmer, towards Ashley Cooper’s Museum, at Gestingthorpe. Then it was back via the country lanes through Bulmer Tye and Sudbury to Long Melford.

On Sunday, many headed out towards Milden, near Monks Eleigh, to Hawker Restoration Ltd, which restores vintage aircraft.

Kevin Baldock, a committee member of the society and who helped organise the tour, said: “It was a fantastic weekend and we had wonderful weather. It was like a carnival atmosphere.”

Money raised will be going towards the Megan Roper appeal and Mr Baldock said it looked set to top the �400 mark.

The youngster lives in Swanfield, Long Melford, with her parents Carl and Sarah and older sister Ruth, and was born with a mystery condition which leaves her with crippling disabilities.

Her family needs to raise �20,000 to convert their home to include a lift, specially adapted bathroom and sensory area, to make everyday tasks easier.