Rally steams ahead despite weather

Dozens of traction engines, old military vehicles and classic cars made their way through Wolverhampton city centre as part of the annual Steam and Vintage Rally.

Despite the dark skies, hundreds of shoppers lined the streets to watch the convoy of around 40 vehicles go by on Saturday.

There were also old fire engines, ambulances and classic motorbikes on show.

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The parade kicked off the two-day Steam and Vintage Rally.

Visitors numbers were down over the two days because of the weather, but an estimated 3,000 people still turned out for the event.

Roads were closed as the vehicles made their way from West Park along a designated route through the city. John Wycherley, aged 72 and from

Tettenhall, watched the parade from Market Street with his two grandchildren, Megan, eight, and Thomas, four.

The retired pressure die caster said: "We come along every year to see the parade. This year it is just as good as ever.

"It's a shame about the weather but people have still turned out in their hundreds as far as I can see."

Megan said she liked the model trains that went by and also the steamrollers. She said: "It's cool seeing all the cars and engines driving through the city centre." Visitors to West Park were able to enjoy live music, a giant modern funfair, vintage funfair, as well as trade and craft stalls. Local brass bands also performed.

Mark Blackstock, manager of the Civic Hall which organises the annual event, said: "We had some of that fine Dunkirk spirit on the Sunday when it rained for most of the day.

"Only around 600 people turned up but we still had all the stalls out.

"Saturday was slightly better, although there was just a few thousand people.

"It was just so cold over the weekend."