A VAGUE mist in the air, the whirr of the funfair and the sharp smell of coal dust are all part and parcel of one of the best-loved events in Dorset’s rural calendar – the Great Dorset Steam Fair .

In reality it’s an assault on all five senses, but photographer and traction engine enthusiast Paul Stratford has captured the essence of it all in his new book.

Paul has been taking photographs at the event at Tarrant Hinton since 1989, and the best are collated here – 140 of them.

Naturally, you’re presented with the huge behemoths of engines – some dating back well over a century – as they proudly continue their heritage.

Yet there are quieter, behind-the-scenes moments, such as a family cooking dinner over a fire, or a line hanging with undies.

Paul, from Warwickshire, has travelled extensively in the UK and worldwide photographing working steam railways before turning his attention to not only photographing but also restoring and driving traction engines.

“Throughout the summer months on most weekends throughout the country there are numerous traction engine rallies, some small, some large,” he said.

“But this is one event that eclipses them all. Dorset’s is the largest of its kind worldwide. It has grown and grown. There’s such a wide variety of exhibits and a fantastic atmosphere there.

“It’s more than just traction engines, there is just so much to see and do.”

In fact, it’s easy to identify the earlier photographs in Paul’s collection as there are green fields in their background. Nowadays, there are vehicles and tents occupying the space.

The fair was the brainchild in 1968 of local farmer Michael Oliver and museum owner Ted Hines. Between them they brought together a small group of steam and vintage machinery enthusiasts for a gathering on a patch of land adjacent to the museum with the aim of having a collection to raise money for a cancer charity.

Since then the event has grown into a five-day attraction held annually on 600 acres of farmland in the week following the August Bank Holiday weekend. As for directions, even the organisers suggest just finding the village of Tarrant Hinton on the map and then following everyone else!

Organised primarily by the Oliver family, founder Michael was awarded the MBE in 2004 but sadly passed away in 2009 leaving son Martin to take over the onerous task of running the Great Dorset Steam Fair.

Paul said: “All I can say is if you’ve never been before – get along there.

It’s a huge family day out and all in one place.

“But don’t go in your best clothes or stilettos!”

  •  The Great Dorset Steam Fair by Paul Stratford is published by Halsgrove, £14.99.

The event, the Great Dorset Steam Fair, takes place between Wed 29 August and Sun 2 September. Gdsf.co.uk