IT'S full steam ahead this weekend at the Pickering Traction Engine Rally which runs from today until Sunday (August 2-5).

Held at the Pickering Showground (situated on the A169 between Pickering and Malton), the show is the largest steam experience ever seen in the north of England.

The four-day event will feature a magnificent display of showman engines, heavy haulage road locomotives and agricultural engines - five of which this year are coming all the way from New Zealand.

Additionally, there will be a massive display of vintage vehicles with over 800 classic cars, commercial vehicles, tractors and motorcycles attending the event.

But the Pickering Traction Engine Rally is not only about engines, as there are many other attractions throughout the day - including motorcycle display teams, falconry demonstrations and Shire horses - ensuring a great day out for the whole family.

Sideshows will include waltzers, helter-skelter, quad bikes, vintage slot machines, a palmist, Wall of Death, tractor-pulling demonstrations and a paintball range and assault course.

In addition to the above, children will also be tempted by bouncy castles, Gyroscope, trampolines, Punch and Judy, and a Beat the Goalie competition. And there's a new attraction to this year's event in the form of the Eurostar Giant Wheel, a huge fairground wheel that will provide views out over the whole of the Vale of Pickering.

Dancing girls and magicians will be performing three shows per day on various stages around the show-ground, while in the craft tent visitors will be able to take a look at a whole range of handmade goods.

For the shoppers, there will be scores of trade stands with products ranging from tools and garden furniture to clothes and toys. And there are three bars, icluding a real ale tent, which are open all day.

The gates are open each day from 10am-5.30pm with a special late night spectacular on Saturday (until 11pm) with a firework display and hot air balloons. Admission costs £5 for adults (£4 concessions). Under-16s are admitted free. Parking at the showground is also free.

Anyone requiring more information about the rally can call the information hotline on (01751) 473780 between 9am and 5pm.

Updated: 11:27 Thursday, August 02, 2001