HEAVY rain on Saturday night failed to deter fans of steam power and vintage vehicles in the Malvern area.

Despite the downpour, the Welland Steam Rally was a success across the weekend, with Sunday's visitors donning their wellies to brave the mud.

Mike Phelps, vice-president of the Ross-on-Wye Steam Engine Society, which organises the event, said that despite organisers' fears, business on Sunday was as busy as ever.

He said: "After the rain we had on Saturday, we thought we were going to have a very quiet Sunday, but people were not deterred. They all brought their wellies and everything was fine.

"We had to be a bit careful, and some of the steam engines had to be towed off the site at the end of the show, but most of it went ahead as planned.

"Over the weekend, the attendance was definitely above average, not record-breaking but very good nonetheless."

Visitors to the show at Woodside Farm, Welland, and the chance to see 80 steam engines of various types, over 500 classic and vintage cars and motorcycles, military vehicles, including four tanks, tractors, stationary engines and much more.

A major attraction this year was a display of steam engines and other equipment once owned by the legendary Midlands travelling showman Pat Collins, including five of the six surviving engines he once owned.

Entertainments include the Sheep Show, a humorous educational live stage show about sheep and wool, and the Jez Avery Stunt Show, steam train rides, a farmers' market with a wide variety of producers showcasing their delicious products, and a craft tent displaying many locally handmade products.

Mr Phelps said: "The sheep show proved very popular. One of the great strengths of the show is that it's got attractions for all the family, from the kids to mum and dad."