THE steam was rising and temperatures soared as more than 5,000 people descended on Eastnor Castle for its Steam Fair and Country Show.

Around 5,800 people visited the stately home near Ledbury for its annual steam event over the Bank Holiday.

"It's the busiest it has ever been," said castle manager Simon Foster.

"The weather was excellent. The foot-and-mouth crisis has affected business in a negative way and when we did open people were desperate for things to do. It had the effect of boosting up numbers."

Steeplejack

TV personality Fred Dibnah, a well known steeplejack and steam enthusiast, joined castle owner James Hervey-Bathurst aboard the mighty steam engine Atlas, which Mr Dibnah helped restore to its original glory.

The day also proved to be a great success in terms of value for money.

At £3 a ticket for adults, visitors enjoyed an array of events such as fly-fishing, falconry, long bow archery, horse and carriage driving.

"We're hoping to build on numbers next year," said Mr Foster. "It went incredibly well."