NOSTALGIC steam trains and glorious classic cars and bikes have made for a feast of transport at the annual Purbeck rally this weekend.

More than 300 exhibits attracted visitors keen to travel back in time at the gathering next to Harman’s Cross station.

Visitors were able to chug in by steam train to take in the vast array of modes of transport at the three-day event, staged by volunteers from Bournemouth and Poole Preservation Club.

“There were more than 300 exhibits on show, from classic cars, lorries and motorcycles through to traction engines, tractors, stationary engines, stalls and refreshments,” said Richard Jones, Swanage Railway general manager.

Alan Kingston, treasurer of the preservation club said: “It has been very successful with a very good turnout. We have had both car parks overflowing. That’s the first time that has ever happened.”

He said the good weather helped as did the advertising by Swanage Railway which let more people know about the weekend event which took place over Saturday and Sunday. “That’s the important thing, getting the word out,” he added.

“We have had lots of entries from competitors and lots of people coming through the gates.”

Hundreds of people attended the event which attracted entries from as far afield as Sussex, Wiltshire, Somerset and Devon and raised funds for Swanage Railway.

“It is a great asset having the railway adjacent to the show ground. It does add so much to it,” he added.

During the event trains running on the track between Swanage and Norden station included the two classic Southern Railways 1940s Bulleid carriages from the heyday of steam train travel.

The club was founded in 1979 for local people interested in preserving old vehicles and many of the 175 members have their own classic or vintage vehicles, some own a steam engine or stationary engine while others collect smaller items or have an interest in bygone days.