STEAM engines, classic cars and vintage caravans are heading for South Derbyshire for Elvaston Steam Rally this weekend.

Most will arrive tomorrow morning, in time for the 9am opening at Elvaston Country Park.

Some will arrive on low-loaders or lorries, but others will trundle their way under their own steam from all parts of the county and beyond.

Event director Jane Furniss said many more vehicles arrived by road when the event began 31 years ago.

She said: "Tractors heading for a steam rally were a common sight, but more people prefer to bring them on low-loaders now because the roads are so busy.

"But we have a ploughing engine travelling from Chapel-en-le-Frith and arriving later today after a journey of about six hours."

Mrs Furniss has been involved with the rally for many years and before that helped her father, Victor, organise the Cromford Steam Rally.

She said: "It is always considered a bit of a man's world which is why we always make sure that there are plenty of activities for women to do as well at our events.

"I don't think I would want to own a steam engine but I wouldn't mind having a classic car to drive around in."

As well as engines and cars, there are activities for the whole family. These include steam log-sawing, a threshing demonstration, craftwork stall, trade stalls, dancing, falconry and gun dog demonstrations, refreshments, Punch and Judy and fairground rides.

Almost as soon as one show is over, the 23-strong committee starts planning the next.

Mrs Furniss said: "We meet in August to assess how the event has gone and to decide which charities any excess money raised can go to.

"We then start planning the following year and start to toss our ideas around."

Everyone is keeping their fingers crossed that the weather stays fine this year.

Last July's event was marred on the Sunday by a large downpour in the morning.

It meant visitor numbers were down on previous years.

Mrs Furniss said: "The ground has been really hard at the moment, which is ideal.

"Even if it rains, the drainage is very good but, unfortunately, people see rain and it tends to put them off coming along.

"The weather forecast is looking favourable at the moment and so we are hoping to have between 12,000 and 15,000 people coming along."

A free bus service is operating from Derby city centre, bus station and the Blue Peter pub in Alvaston on both days.

Admission prices are £5 for adults, £3 for OAPs, £1 for children aged five to 16 and free for under fives.

The event is open from 9am to 9pm tomorrow and from 9am to 5pm on Sunday.

For more information visit www.elvastonsteam.org.uk.