IT was full steam ahead for the first day of the popular Great Dorset Steam Festival as thousands of people descended on the festival ground.

As well as the traditional line-up of steam engines and various displays, this year’s event saw the crowds wowed by the White Helmets.

The Royal Signals motorcycle display team performed a variety of daring stunts in one of their final major shows before they hang up their gloves for retirement.

The steam fair, held in Tarrant Hinton, near Blandford Forum, is celebrating its 49th year.

Attracting collectors, steam fanatics, heavy horse fans, campers, music fans and more, the show is expected to attract around 200,000 visitors across five days.

This year has seen the return of the old steam funfair and displays of heavy haulage, steam tractors and lorries, ploughing engines, wood sawing and mini engines.

For those who are not steam enthusiasts, the event has widened its remit over the years to include other entertainment.

Six different music stages are showcasing a range of folk, country and western and rock bands.

There are also craft marquees selling traditional country crafts, as well as rope making, wood carving, fencing, hurdle making, and cider producers.

And until 2018, the event is commemorating the centenary anniversary of the First World War with a popular WW1 tribute display.

The display features an authentic replica Western Front trench system supported by original steam and historic vehicles from the 1914-1918 conflict.

Martin Oliver, managing director of the Great Dorset Steam Fair, said it had been a “really successful opening day” and he was “really excited for the weekend ahead”.

“Everything has been running smoothly and we have already heard some brilliant feedback from this year’s visitors.

“Many of our campers arrived from day one to stay with us for the whole five days. As with every year, you need more than just one day to experience everything. Not only is there lots to see and do during the day, the steam fair also comes alive at night with incredible lights, live music, gleaming engines and much more.”