THOUSANDS of people visited the first steam rally in decades at a park just outside York.

The York Steam Rally at Murton Park on Saturday and Sunday was organised by the Derwent Valley Light Railway Society (DVLRS), with all profits going to the society.

Craig Benton, director of York Steam Rally, said he was pleased with the lineup of showman's engines, tractor pulls and entertainment, and the "fantastic numbers coming through the gate".

He said: "We started the rally because we wanted to put much needed funds back into the Derwent Valley Light Railway Society, so all the proceeds we raise will go back into the society.

"I'm on the board for Murton Park and a good event is great for bringing revenue in. This site is crying out for a good steam rally. We've heard that over the years, and it was 42 years ago that one was last held here, and we just wanted to bring it back. We've tried to keep it as small as possible for our first year back, but it just seems to have grown and grown and grown to what it is now. We've probably got a little over 30 engines in total on site which is a fantastic achievement for our first one, and a very big fairground as well."

Mr Benton said at least two thousand people had visited the rally on Saturday alone, with more expected on Sunday as the weather forecast suggested it could be brighter than expected.

The rally was preceded by a road run around York on Friday, with dozens of steam-powered vehicles taking part, and Mr Benton said plans were already underway for next year.

He said: "The reaction has been absolutely fantastic. We did a road run on Friday and it was just amazing to see how many people came out to support us.

"Everyone's saying they want to book in for next year. Yes, we're more than happy to do another one, but we just need a breather - if you ask me now, I'd say no, but yes, we'll be doing another one, definitely."