A varied collection of pre-1930 tractors proved to be a popular attraction at an annual steam rally, which took place at the weekend.

Also a hit with the crowds attending the Woolpit Steam Rally near Bury St Edmunds was a fascinating display of wood sawing, using vintage saws powered by steam, oil and tractor.

More than 350 exhibits were on show this year, ranging from vintage cars and motorcycles to stationary engines driving a wide range of machinery.

According to show co-organiser, Gerald Seeley, the number of people attending the rally was up on last year, with more young visitors showing an interest in the heritage exhibits.

He said: “We considered ourselves very lucky with the weather, which was cool but largely dry and the increase in people attending was a real bonus.

“It shows that people have a real love of nostalgia and it’s heartening to see so many families here with parents showing the younger generation what it is all about. We try to keep the entry prices low so it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg for a family to enjoy a day out. The good attendance proves to us that what we are doing here is really worthwhile and is now being enjoyed by people of all ages.”

The tractor display was one of the most varied selections ever to be shown together, with several vehicles pre-dating the First World War.

Mr Seeley continued: “An extra attraction of the show this year was the ‘wood sawing’ where we demonstrated how logs could be turned into planks or firewood using the vintage saws, including a Ferguson Cordwood saw, which is powered by a vintage Ferguson tractor.

“We like to introduce something different every year if we can and the sawing demonstration proved to be of real interest and attracted big crowds.”

A full ring programme took place on both days and featured a marching band, performing dogs and the special ‘Slow Race’ for the steam engines.

Craft, trade and ‘auto-jumble’ stands proved popular with collectors, while vintage amusements, a ‘Punch and Judy’ show and ice cream stalls were a big hit with the younger visitors. Any profits from the popular show, which traces its roots back to the ‘Cotton Exhibition’ held in the village of Cotton between 1975 and 1982, will be donated to local charities.

The event is held on land at Warren Farm, Wetherden and Mr Seeley said: “We are really grateful to be able to use the land, which provides an ideal location for the show.

“We have been very lucky to have good weather too this year, which has encouraged people to come out, look at the exhibits and have a wonderful time.”