FINAL touches are being put to the arrangements of the annual Tavistock Steam Fair which will be held in the town's centre on Sunday, June 4.

A feature of this unique event — organised by the Robey Trust — is the presence of traction engines, steamrollers and steam lorries, many of which will be providing rides around the town.

Trust spokesman John Hobbs said the trust's steamroller 'Stumbles' will be returning to steam for the first time in 18 months. It was this machine that members rescued from the Meadows and restored over a period of 13 years.

'Keeping that engine company will be its slightly bigger brother,' said Mr Hobbs.

'This one actually worked on the construction of the MI and was saved from export to Holland by a group formed for the purpose.'

Mr Hobbs said that among the visiting steam lorries will be the familiar blue Foden from Cornwall and the equally familiar green Sentinel from Liverton.

'Traction and other engines will be coming from Cornwall and from Dorset.

'One of the most celebrated of Burrell Showman's Engines, "Rajah", will be driving several small children's fairground rides. It is also hoped that fairground-type organs will add appropriate sound to the festive scene,' said Mr Hobbs.

Just like last year, there will be a collection of vintage and classic cars in front of the police station. Old commercial vehicles will be displayed on the granite in front of the Tavistock Town Hall and along Duke Street.

'Entries we have received so far suggest the number of colourful tractors on display in the pannier market and from time to time moving around the town will be the largest ever,' said Mr Hobbs.

'We are also hoping that a record number of stationary engines will be offering much to admire within the pannier market too.'

The pannier market will once again play host to the Collection of Collections — the content of which will be as interesting and as varied as ever.

'Children of all ages will be able to watch Punch and Judy, have their faces painted, and also take a ride on the miniature steam train — which is always a popular feature of the Tavistock Steam Fair' said Mr Hobbs.