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TRAFFIC started to build up in roads leading to Tarrant Hinton near Blandford on Tuesday as exhibitors and traders at the 2007 Great Dorset Steam Fair starting today, took their places on site.

Police have warned motorists not heading to the fair to try and avoid the A351, Blandford bypass, Blandford town and A350 and to find alternative routes as more heavy traffic is expected.

Some 2,000 people are expected to descend on the fair during its five-day run until Sunday, and organisers say they are keen to stress that the event is not just about steam.

In addition to the integral 200 steam engines and 100 fairground organs on show there are also 1,000 traders, activities and entertainment, vintage vehicle displays, and a music festival each day.

New for 2007 is a countryside arena with rural displays to include the Bob Hogg Sheepdogs, the Chris O'Donnell Eagle and Vulture Show, and the Adams Axeman.

A shuttle on-site hop on and off bus service will also be operating around the main show ground to save tired visitors' feet having to trek across the 600-acre site.

More than 200 helpers and stewards will be on hand to assist visitors.

Organiser, Martin Oliver, said: "The show is ready to go and the weather forecast is looking brilliant.

"We could be looking at record crowds what with the weather being so bad over the summer, people have been longing for somewhere to go."

Gates open daily at 9am.