BEST ever! That was the verdict after last weekend's festival of steam in Tavistock.

The town's steam fair, organised by the Robey Trust, saw a steady stream of people coming to see the steam engines, models, displays and entertainments in the Wharf and Bedford car parks.

Norman Emmett, steam fair co-ordinator, said: 'It was a fantastic day, I think probably the best ever for our 21st birthday.

'The weather was absolutely glorious for us, no rain but not so hot that everybody went off to the beach — we all had a super day.'

The event was attended by the mayors of Tavistock and West Devon, who welcomed the crowds to the town.

One of the attractions was a display of working Meccano models, including a dumper truck and excavator, and of course, the steam engines themselves —seven attended, plus a steam lorry and a Stanley steam car.

In addition there was a large display of vintage motor bikes and cars, World War II military vehicles and a collection of eleven cars from the Weymouth Vehicle Preservation Club, which has now made sure that Tavistock Steam Fair is a permanent fixture in its own club calendar.