THE Tavistock Steam Fair last Sunday may have been the most successful ever, according to Robey Trust members who were delighted with the turnout of hundreds of people to the event.

In at the start were Tavistock town crier Bob Rose and his wife, Shirley, who rang out the good news of the event at the Wharf.

Seen with the couple here is steam fair organiser Norman Emett.

'We were kept pleasantly busy all day and we were very pleased with the comments received,' said Robey Trust founder David Davies.

'We did wonder with such a sunny day whether people would head for the coast but many made a choice to come to us and it was superb.'

The Wharf and Bedford Car Parks were packed with steam engines of every shape and size and children were thrilled to ride around the town in a trailer pulled by one of them. There were vintage and classic cars and a vintage tractor road run.

Within The Wharf itself there were exhibitions and collections, mini steam train rides, model boats and many trade stalls.

New mayor of West Devon Alison Clish-Green and new Tavistock mayor Mandy Govier attended the event and praised the contribution the steam fair had made to the town over the past 19 years.

All sectors of the community were involved on the day and people from the ages of eleven to 80 had been working two days a week on various jobs to make the day go with 'gusto' said Mr Davies.

The Robey Trust, which was founded 26 years ago, is working hard to gets its educational centre progressing at the ironworks in Pixon Lane, which was awarded a heritage grant in 1996.

In time, the trust aims to offer a range of courses in traditional engineering skills for children and older people, an archive room for study, teaching facilities and a clubroom.

Mr Davies made a plea for more 'hands on' members who, he said, were really vital for the long-term future of the Robey Trust.