VIKING warriors, Bernese mountain dogs, and steam engines will descend on Worcester Racecourse next week.

"I don't think Worcester has seen anything like it before," said Keith Shakespeare, who has previously organised the Hanbury Steam Rally with his wife and daughter.

The Hanbury rally has been held every year for the past 12 years, but has been moved to Worcester because of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

Displays will be coming from all round the country and will include classic engines such as the 1930s bus from the Disney film One of Our Dinosaurs is Missing.

The oldest steam engine in Britain, a Brown and May built in 1868 called Little Dragon, will lead the display.

There will also be novelty arena games, featuring tractors and steam traction engines.

There will be a display of models made by blind craftsman Gary Willis.

Bernese Mountain Dogs will be displaying another form of vintage transport, as they pull around two and four-wheel carts that were used in Switzerland to transport milk.

The Celestine dog training display team will show off its obedience and agility over an assault course.

The past will be brought to life as Viking warriors from Redditch and Birmingham re-enact a battle, and weapons, flags and clothing from the American Civil War will be on display.

"As far as we know there has not been a steam rally at Pitchcroft since 1954," said Mr Shakespeare, of Stoke Prior, near Bromsgrove.

The steam rally will be held over the weekend of September 8 and 9, and the activities will begin at 10am on both days.

Car parking is free and admission is £4.50 for adults, £2.50 for children and OAPs, and £10 for a family of four.