IF ENTHUSIASM were a commodity they'd be doing a roaring trade in it at the Great Dorset Steam Fair. The sound of old-fashioned steam-powered engines and high-pitched organs and sight of smoke blackening the air on the first day of the annual event yesterday were evidence of the endless hours of toil that go into lovingly preserving the past for visitors to see.

Thousands of visitors made the most of the glorious sunshine and packed into the site at Tarrant Hinton for the 36th Steam Fair, around 25,000 people are camping on the official site and making the most of the temporary village that has been set up to accommodate them.

New to this year's fair, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the National Traction Engine Trust, are 50 engines that have never been rallied before - among them is an unusual engine belonging to the show's founder Michael Oliver MBE, complete with a tree growing through the middle.

The show is aimed at educating people about what life was like in the early 1900s and certain areas are a step back in time, with men in period costumes using steam-driven machines to cut wood with power saws, lift heavy loads and power rail travel with miniature working railways offering rides.

Visitors flocked from all over the country and they weren't disappointed. Kelly Brownsell, 23, a housewife from Watford was there with her three young children. She said: "Other shows don't have nearly as many working engines as this. The children love it and learn a lot when they come here."

And exhibitor John Wakeman, an auctioneer from Cornwall who was displaying a restored agricultural engine, said: "It's nice to see so many engines that have never been displayed before."

Many visitors came just for the craft stalls and shopping opportunities and with more than 700 stands it takes at least a day to do the rounds. There's also a modern funfair as well as a steam-powered one, beer tents and plenty of food stands.

Managing Director of the show Martin Oliver, who has taken over the reins from his father, said: "The show can't get any bigger because there just isn't the room but it's as good as it always is. It has been a year's hard work organising everything."

The fair runs until Sunday September 5.