WITH more than 2,000 exhibitors and a host of vintage and steam-powered vehicles on display, the Great Dorset Steam Fair kicks off this week.

This year's event, taking place between Thursday, August 25, and Monday, August 29, at Tarrant Hinton showground, near Blandford Forum, will include a display commemorating those who lost their lives in the Battle of the Somme a century ago.

Soldiers and horses will take part in reenactments to depict the opening days of the gruelling battle.

Martin Oliver, managing director of the Great Dorset Steam Fair, said: "We hope in a small way to show the young people of today of the utter futility of war when thousands of young men die in a futile attempt to gain a few yards of ground.

"The trenches on show this year were built for the 2014 Steam Fair but have been greatly enhanced for this year’s special event."

Also, the fair will mark the 50th anniversary of the Steam Plough Club with a special display of engines and equipment.

Founded in 1966 by the late Harold Bonnett, the club aims to keep steam ploughing alive by maintaining the machinery and passing down skills to new generations.

The exhibit, in collaboration with the National Traction Engine Trust, will bring to life the history of steam ploughing and demonstrate the historical impact of British engineering agriculture worldwide.

Once again, the fair will be raising funds for local charities by offering steam-powered trailer rides around the heavy haulage arena during the event.

Last year, £15,297 was raised for MacMillan Cancer Support and The Alfie O’Neill Cerebral Palsy Treatment Fund. This year, organisers have chosen to support Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and The Blandford Opportunity Group.

A trailer ride will cost £2 per adult and £1 for children, with all proceeds going to these nominated charities.

The fair has been running for almost 50 years and routinely attracts 200,000 visitors.

With the showground covering more than 600 acres, it claims to be one of the largest outdoor events in Europe.

Traditionally held in the first weekend of September, it has now been moved to the Bank Holiday weekend to avoid clashes with other events and the start of the school term.

For more information visit gdsf.co.uk.