THE annual Tavistock Steam Fair — organised by the Robey Trust— will take place in the town's centre on Sunday, May 26.

Such is the popularity of this event amongst traction and other steam engine owners that two Robey engines are being transported from Hampshire especially for the occasion.

Other steamers, including John Woodley's well-known green Sentinel steam wagon — that is such a favourite amongst visitors — are making journeys to the fair from Cornwall and other parts of Devon.

'We will be delighted to welcome those and other visiting engines to Tavistock,' said the chairman of the Robey Trust's organising committee, Ian Lewis.

'Without them it would be difficult to put on what is now a very popular event in the town's calendar.'

He said he was 'disappointed' that both of the trust's own steamrollers are currently experiencing trouble with their tubes.

'They are likely to be confined to the shed. They've possibly been doing too much smoking!'

An outstanding selection of classic and older cars, colourful tractors, motor cycles and commercial vehicles will be on show in Bedford Square and Duke Street.

Mr Lewis said there will be plenty for the visitors to enjoy at the fair.

'Having looked at the vehicle displays, and having taken a ride or two or more behind the steam engines — as some youngsters delight in doing — visitors can take a trip on a rather large former Midland Red single deck bus built in the 1960s,' he said.

The tractors, always a delight to see, will be on the move in convoy during the day.

'No visit to the Steam Fair would be complete without a visit to Tavistock Pannier Market,' added Mr. Lewis.

'Within that building the popular Collection of Collections will be on display.

'But exactly what will be seen is beyond my knowledge at the moment. As people seem to be collecting everything nowadays, anything is likely to turn up!'

To entertain the children the fair committee hope that the little steam train will be running — whilst Punch and Judy will be up to their age-old tricks, or at least Punch will be.

Mr Lewis said outside the pannier market scale model steam engines will be in action.

Visitors are recommended not to leave the pannier market without taking a look at some of the horse-drawn carriages from the collection of Gerald Williamson of the Harford Bridge Holiday Park, Tavistock.

'You are unlikely to see such a collection again without making a great deal of effort to do so. We are most grateful to Gerald for sharing his vehicles with us,' said Mr Lewis.

The event commences at 11am.