A SHOW dedicated to Britain's halcyon days as a world leader in the manufacture of cars, trucks and steam engines has rolled into Netley Marsh - and more than 30,000 visitors are close behind.

The seven hundred exhibitors began trickling into Meadow Mead Farm, on Ringwood Road, earlier this week preparing for the three-day Netley Marsh Steam and Craft Show, which starts today.

The show is in its 31st year and secretary Tony Greenham, who has been a part of the event for the past 21 years, said it was a celebration of a bygone era.

"The steam engines date from the late 1800s and the cut-off for the vehicles would be about 1960 - when British vehicles were British vehicles, when we still made things."

"I think the attraction is that this is a community event and it's the local groups who actually contribute to the show and it's also the attraction of being a family show.

"We do appeal to the older generation and it turns out to be like a big reunion."

He said apart from the 30 steam engines, 200 vintage motorbikes, 100 vintage cars, 80 craft stands and 200 trade stalls, there would be a large programme of entertainment.

"We have an arena of events over the three days which include falconry, circus-style roller skating, heavy horses and a dog display.

Other acts include television personality Fred Dibnah, who has brought his own vintage engine, the Bob the Builder show, several bands and the Joint Services Parachute team, who will perform free fall displays.

But he said his favourite part came months after the show.

"Really for me it's the fundraising, that's a really nice thing when the winter comes up, we've raised a little bit of money for the charities and we can write the cheques out."

For Dave Corney, from the Isle of Wight, it is the community feel that has kept him, his family and his 1961 Bedford TK fire engine coming back every year for 16 years. "We wouldn't miss it, we just enjoy ourselves, it's the whole atmosphere, everybody's friendly and everyone mucks in and helps."

Others are just as committed, with some personally driving their steam engines from around the country.