BLUE skies and bright sunshine greeted visitors to the 6th annual Wiltshire Model Steam Gala at Westbury on Saturday September 14.

Organised by the West Wiltshire Society of Model Engineers, the event attracted hundreds of visitors and the glorious weather helped to show off to perfection a wide range of exhibits from their owners.

Supported by engineering groups from Bristol, Yeovil and Guildford, the Central Somerset 16mm group, Trevor Findlay from Wincanton and the West Wilts "O" gauge group, as well as Warminster Model Boat club and the Wessex flying club, the show exhibited items of all shapes and sizes.

The South West Meccano group were first time visitors to the event this year and were very popular with the visitors, as was the train simulator experience, also new to the show.

A recently restored full size steam roller also pulled in the crowds.

Wessex Stationary Engine Club put out a wide display of vehicles and regular visitors Cross Engineering from Bath displayed their unique rotary engine alongside some early bikes that made use of it to win competitions.

Another popular attraction was the Mamod demonstration track display by Andy Sartain from Melksham.

Society spokeswoman Michelle Richardson said: "The club is raising funds to improve our club facilities and help the charity Hope for Tomorrow, which helps people in the area by providing cancer treatment facilities close to home, helping to reduce the time spent travelling to hospitals for treatment, which can already be lengthy.

"Whilst final figures are not yet in, we are hoping that the sunshine helped everyone dig deep and would like to thank everyone who came and enjoyed the day."

Saturday’s gala featured many attractions, including extra garden rail layouts to see, traders, local and heritage railway displays, stationary and traction engines of all sizes, and a full-size steam car.

The Society’s first Ghost Train will be running on Sunday, October 27. Times not yet available.

The season of public events will finish with the much-loved Santa specials on Saturday, December 7 from 2pm to 5pm.

All of the open days and events are publicised on the Society’s Facebook page Wiltshire Model Steam Gala, and the club website http://www.wwsme.org.uk.