RECORD crowds attended the 40th annual Gloucestershire Steam and Vintage Extravaganza this month.

On the last day of the event, which took place between August 1 and 3, 8,000 visitors flocked through the gate, making it the best attended day in the event’s 40 year history.

The event, included a huge array of attractions, including a countryside arena, dog show, an aerobatics display, vintage fairground, Wall of Death, hundreds of stalls and an air display.

Among the exhibits was 80 steam engines, 400 classic cars, 180 classic tractors, 100 vintage cycles, 220 classic motorcycles and 70 military vehicles.

Martyn Slater, chairman of the show and the Stroud Vintage Transport and Engine Club, said: “We are thrilled with the turnout of both exhibitors and visitors over the weekend and are very grateful to our team of volunteers, section leaders and the local community for their support and for making it such a success.

He explained that he was sorry for any inconvenience caused by delays on Sunday.

“We apologise for the inconvenience caused with the congestion on Sunday, caused not only be the record number of visitors to the show, but nearby roadworks, traffic diversions and an abnormal wide-load vehicle passing through the area at peak show time, this culminated in the high volume of traffic and delays.”

The show was attended by 12,000 in total and is run entirely by volunteers. It is organised by The Stroud Vintage Transport and Engine Club .

The show, which is the biggest event of its kind, raised money for charities in the area and national charities, including the Cobalt Appeal Fund, Diabetes UK and Ann Edwards School in South Cerney.