A steaming good day had by all at Woolpit Steam
The heat was on at the weekend, when Woolpit Steam Rally fired into life, attracting crowds of more than 5,000 people.
The annual event, at Warren Farm, Wetherden, saw hundreds of historic engines turn up the temperature.
Gerald Seeley, who organises the event with his brothers David and Andrew, said: "It went very well. We were blessed with good weather and it exceeded all expectations.
"The steam engines are the big draw, obviously, and this year we had a display of Saunderson tractors.
"That has never been done before and it took a year's planning to do it."
Many of the engines at the rally travelled from outside the region, some coming from as far away as Kent and Yorkshire. Many of the exhibitors come back year after year.
"They loved the tractor display, it was a very special event," said Mr Seeley.
There were several hotly contested trophies up for grabs. This year, the G Seeley Challenge Cup for the steam engine slow race was won by Natel Taylor, with his Wallis & Stevens traction engine Faith, the E Rand Cup for best stationary engine was won by Mr Thorpe with Little Jumbo.
The Jame (GIB) Memorial Cup Tractor prize was won by Mr LeFrance, with his 1920 Saunderson tractor.
The brothers have been involved in the organisation of the rally for more than 20 years.
"We truly enjoy it and always take a week off work for it," said Mr Seeley.
"But we couldn't do it without the help of the committee and we're grateful to R and P Baker for the use of the site and facilities."
Over the years, the rally has raised thousands of pounds for local charities.
For now the organisers are busy clearing up, counting receipts and paying bills, before finding out how much this year's efforts have raised.
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Weather for Bury St Edmunds
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: -2 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 6 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: -5 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South east
