A CUSTOM-built steam car on an historic charity drive from John O'Groats to Land's End stopped off at Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre near Lifton last Friday.

Dean Rogers and Steve Baldock are currently driving the 991 miles in a specially built steam car to raise money for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

They are driving in a 'Lykamobile', based on the famous Locomobiles of the early 1900s — the first time in around 100 years that a car like this has made the journey.

Dean was inspired to raise funds for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People by his friend Carl Morris, who has a hearing dog called Ingle.

The Lykamobile has an average speed of 10 to 15 miles per hour, with a top speed of just 37 miles per hour. It has to stop once every hour to take on more water, and it has to be topped up with diesel twice a day.

The Lykamobile arrived at the Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre and was greeted by hearing dogs and puppies, local residents and visitors.

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People is a national charity which trains dogs to alert their deaf owners to everyday sounds like doorbells, oven timers and telephones, and also emergency noises like smoke alarms.

Dean's company Steam Traction World is bearing the costs of the trip. All donations will go to the charity.