THE awesome power and beauty of the traction engines continue to prove to be the biggest crowd-pleaser at the Great Dorset Steam Fair.

Record numbers attended the opening day of the extravaganza with many positioning themselves round the heavy haulage ring throughout the day to watch displays of vintage steam vehicles demonstrate their power by pulling huge tree trunks round effortlessly.

There were also parades throughout the day of showman engines with their colourful livery and gleaming brass plus military vehicles and vintage tractors, cars and lorries.

Behind each entry was a team of enthusiasts who had spent hours cleaning their exhibits.

Chris Barber, from High Wycombe, said: "We are here with three engines. I love steam - I started when I was about three and have been coming here for years although this is the first time we have brought an engine ourselves."

Elsewhere there was a brisk trade among the preservation and heritage stands while every one of the 100 plus fairground organs had crowds gathering to watch them play.

Meanwhile the traditional fairground attractions were proving a big hit with younger visitors.

Organisers reported few problems from the first day although the extremely dry conditions were proving a headache at times sending choking dust clouds into the air every time a heavy vehicle passed.

Steam fair chairman John Garrett said: "We had a record first day of the show so we are very pleased.

"There were very few problems apart from the dust. We could do with a few spots of rain really to damp down the ground. As it was we had to have a tanker spraying water full time yesterday which made things much better.

"We are looking forward to the rest of the week - Friday and Saturday are always our biggest days and that is when Sir Stirling Moss will be coming in to tour the site and sign a few autographs."

Police also reported little trouble with the traffic which, although heavy, moved fairly quickly along the roads leading to the site.

Inspector Dave Cregg said: "There is improved signage this year so that warnings about likely congestion are being placed as far away as Dorchester so that anyone who isn't coming to the steam fair is able to avoid the traffic before finding themselves caught up in it."