A STEAM RALLY returned with an eclectic selection of attractions.

The Welland Steam Rally held at Woodside farm, Welland on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, gave visitors the chance to ride a steam train, and learn about sheep shearing.

Site and safety officer Pete Evans said: "The atmosphere this year has been better than ever."

"The highlights have been the weather, as it's been so hot the last few days, and the Neil Diamond experience which luckily came at the right weather window. We have 80 steam engines which have been pulling big loads around. 20 of them are generating power for everything, and we have the biggest bulldozers I have ever seen."

Families flocked to have a go on the old time fairground at Welland, said to be the best in the country. The fairground featured a selection of traditional amusements such as galloping horses, big wheel, dodgems, hurricane jets, skid and ghost train, along with children's rides and side stalls, all accompanied by traditional fairground music.

During the weekend over 20 of the showman's engines were generating electricity to power and light the fair, a sight to be held after dark on the Friday and Saturday evenings.

A humorous educational live stage show about sheep and wool was enjoyed. Nine breeds of sheep were introduced.

The main attraction was a fun for all the family steam train ride. leaving from Welland Halt, passengers travelled through the showground on a full size locomotive.

This year the Welland craft tent was bigger than ever and had a wide variety of crafts and products.

Back by popular demand were the remote control models creating detailed construction scenes throughout the weekend.

The farmers market tent sold a wide variety of products from passionate independent producers, and a road making demonstration. "There are big working fields with a demonstration of how they made roads in the old days."

"We also have a huge wood sawing area."