HE was one of Britain's greatest ever motor racing drivers, but king of speed Stirling Moss was not complaining when he got behind the wheel of some slower vehicles at the Great Dorset Steam Fair.

"It's my first visit and it's absolutely staggering. Everything doesn't have to be fast - sometimes slow things are quite interesting," he said.

Sir Stirling, who retired from racing in 1962 after a horrific crash at Goodwood, was besieged by autograph hunters during his visit to the 35th annual fair at Tarrant Hinton near Blandford.

He admitted he had never seen steam-powered vehicles at such close quarters before - and he was delighted to be given the chance to drive some rare and historic models, including a World War One vintage tractor.

Sir Stirling was born in London and won several major motor races during the 1950s, including the British Grand Prix and the Mille Miglia in Italy. He was runner-up in the world championships four times.

Although still a motoring enthusiast, Sir Stirling deplores the general level of modern road skills. "The standard of driving is pretty poor. People get a licence and drive for 20 years, causing accidents and not necessarily improving.

"I think the driving test should be made harder and the licence graduated so you can go up, just like a golf handicap," he said.

Sir Stirling also admitted that he hates speed cameras. "They're all over the country and they really are a pain. You have to keep one eye on the mirror and watch for those damned cameras. They're very underhand.

"There are certain places where you shouldn't drive fast, but 70mph is not necessarily the right speed. Sometimes it's too fast and sometimes it's too slow."

More than a quarter of a million people passed through the gates of the Great Dorset Steam Fair this year, say organisers.

It is estimated that around £50,000 has been raised for 30 local charities.