HUNDREDS of people are expected to attend the Selwood Steam and Vintage Rally this weekend, which will boast one of the biggest collections of steam vehicles in Wiltshire.

More than twelve of the giant steam driven engines will be presented to the public during the three day event as well as smaller, fully renovated stationary engines that used to power farm equipment, which will give visitors a glimpse into life from yesteryear.

Show chairman Roy Cradock said: “We are delighted to have a very impressive selection of steam exhibits making this year one of our best shows yet.

"We continue to work tireless year and year to improve and aim to make the rally one of the best in the south west."

The event will take place in the show field along Bradley Road, Southwick, with gates opening from 10am on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Among the grand old examples of steam is one of the oldest showmans engines in existence.

James Huntley, with a degree in mechanical engineering, is showing ‘the Masterpiece', a Burrell steam engine once used to haul and power the fairground attraction gallopers and now rebuilt to its former glory,

Another example of an engine fully restored is the Ben Lomand, a 1915 Marshall general purpose traction engine brought to the show by Matt Far making its first appearance at Southwick .

And possibly the oldest engine doing the steam circuits is the 1894 general purpose Burrell brought to the show by Stuart Barnes accompanied by his dog spot.

This machine was used in the film ‘Far from the Madding Crowd'.

A 1940s pavement roller belonging to the Compton’s of Bradford Leigh is making its debut at the show after a restoration.

Clive Compton said: "We have around half a dozen of examples of diesel rollers from around that period and this one is the complete working example."

Putting old machinery to work is Southwick’s Mark Taylor who is the main attraction in the static working section.

Mark is displaying a 1931 Lister stationery engine coupled to a 1934 Acrow Walden saw bench cutting giant pieces of wood.

He said: "I spend the winter restoring the stationery engine and I am delighted its functioning perfectly providing the power for the old saw bench."

Among the dozens of old commercial vehicles on show is a ‘golden example’.

Andy Morse, of West Ashton, brought his 1959 Chevrolet Apache truck to the show in its livery of the Californian gold mine.

He said: "This vehicle once worked at the mine that is rich in history as the mine that produced the worlds biggest gold nugget."