Rally steams into action for 51st year

Visitors young and old at Masham Steam Rally. Pictures Gary Longbottom

Forty steam engines - as well as over 120 tractors and hundreds of other exhibits came from all over the UK for the event, which was blessed with good weather.

Engines will gather for a brief road run and parade into Yorkshire’s largest market place later on today.

Organiser Graham Nicklas said: “Last year we had around 10,000 people but it was a bit damp, we have a lot better forecast this year.”

A silhouetted "White Rose," an eight-ton steam roller built by Aveling and Porter in 1915 is being prepared at the Masham Steam Rally.

A highlight today will be a performance by the James Dylan Stuntworld team, while visitors tomorrow will get to see the Vanders Brothers’ Wheel of Death.

The first steam engine rally took place in July 1965, and was the brainchild of the then Theakston distribution director, Maurice Lumley. Its aim was to raise funds for the town hall, and which made the princely sum of £5.

Mr Nicklas said: “We had a few wet years and that had a knock-on effect on profits.

“If it wasn’t for Theakston’s and a few local businesses that give us a bit of money...luckily touch wood we have made a little back and we are in a good position now.”