DESPITE the competition from the Queen's birthday events the lure of tractors, stationary engines, steam engines and vintage vehicles at the West Dorset Vintage Rally in West Bay proved irresistable.

Chairman of the West Dorset Vintage Tractor and Stationary Engine Club Bruce Carter said before Sunday's bad weather the two-day rally was on target to be a record breaker.

The club has been holding rallies for the past 40 years and they are as popular as ever, he said.

Mr Carter said the weekend went very smoothly.

He said: "We are extremely pleased. It all went very smoothly and its the biggest rally we have ever had down at the Melplash show site.

"We have been turning people away for the past six weeks who have been wanting to come, that's how booked up we were. We have had more exhibitors and trade stands than ever.

"It was very busy, the weather was kind to us on Saturday but Sunday even we had to pay. We were on track certainly by Saturday night to have a record attendance at the show.

"We wondered how much the Queen factor would effect our attendance but on the Saturday it didn't."

Mr Carter said the live music from the harmony group The Decadettes and Extreme Falconry from Marshwood help the crowds spellbound

Mr Carter said the falconry display in particular had been spectacular.

He said: "It is not just a flying bird display. His knowledge is incredible. And have you ever seen a man chased by a vulture? As soon as you move in the ring they look on you as food and they are after you. The crowds were spellbound by it all.

"And the information he was giving explaining the origins of Falconry was really interesting - it was a fantastic show he put on."

The Decadettes were also popular, singing songs from throughout the Queen's life, he said.

The event also included a vintage auction and vehicle parades, Morris dancers, dog agility team and ferret racing.