THEY rumbled and thundered into Wootton Bassett, stopping Saturday shoppers in their tracks and belching clouds of soot into the air.

For engine lovers it was a special treat to see the participants of The Jack Wharton Road Run making their way from Fairford to the Great Dorset Steam Fair.

Sixteen rollers signed up for the three-day charity run that will take them at a snail's pace across Wiltshire to the largest steam fair in Western Europe.

Organiser and Bassett resident Charlie Cribbes said the enginemen would be collecting for charity in memory of their late colleague.

Charlie said: "Jack Wharton was a man of steam.

"He worked with steam engines in their heyday and he was one of the pioneers of traction engine preservation.

"He was also an ardent collector for charity - especially Cancer Research - until he died in 1994."

In 1997 a memorial road run was first held from Fairford Steam Rally to the Great Dorset Fair, and more than £6,000 was raised for Cancer Research and Polio Plus.

This year was the first time the run had been resumed, and Cancer Research UK and the Fire Services National Benevolent Fund will be the main beneficiaries of the money they collect.

But on Saturday it was Bassett residents who were treated to the sight of Tiger, King George VI and Mercury in all their industrial splendour.

Among the heavy fleet were Tasker and Foster tractors, as well as Burrell traction engines.

Charlie said: "They engines always grab people's attention because they are so large and so rare.

"The owners spend hours and hours maintaining them, so there's a real sense of pride when you take them out on the road."

And for youngsters enjoying the balmy lunchtime on Saturday it was a sight of something they had only read about.

Tom Wilkins, 11, was there with his dad John to marvel at the giant engines.

Tom, from Old Town, said: "They are quite noisy but great to look at, I've never seen them before.

"I think it's good what they are doing, but it's going to take them a long time to get to the fair."

John, 43, said: "It's great to see something which is part of our past out on the road.

"I hope they get a good collection, because they look really impressive going along in convoy."

Anyone wishing to make a charity donation can contact Charlie on 07813 690173.

Alternatively, email cscburford@freenet.co.uk.