IT was full steam ahead at the weekend when crowds flocked to the St Albans Steam and Country Show.

The 44th annual rally, organised by the Hertfordshire Steam Engine Preservation Society, was held for the second year running at Oakland College’s Smallford site in Hatfield Road.

The show started with a heavy horse display followed by a parade of vintage cars and lorries. A parade of classic motorcycles then took to the ring followed by a grand parade of steam engines.

Other attractions included demonstrations of historic farming equipment stone crushing, threshing and milling and grinding, and Derek and Barbara Wheeler showed off their 1876 Shand Mason steam fire engine.

Steam train rides were also laid on by the North London Society of Model Engineers using miniature steam locomotives on their raised portable track.

The Society is a registered charity and actively supports the steam traction engine preservation movement by encouraging interest in their restoration, operation and by providing advice to owners and drivers.

It holds monthly club meetings at the Flamstead Sports and Social Club every third Wednesday in the month. Find out more from their website at www.hertssteam.org.

All photos courtesy of Function Photos - www.functionphotos.net