A washout 'tractor spectacular' did not fail to impress as hundreds thronged around a muddy Norfolk Showground to get up close with an impressive collection of historic farming machinery.

With pouring rain heralding the start of the Eastern Counties Vintage Show, organisers praised the spirit of their exhibitors and the public, who refused to be put off by the weather.

The event featured a special tribute to the late Jack Richards, of Fakenham haulage firm Jack Richards and Son.

To mark the company's 60 years in the industry, the REVS (ERF) club turned up with more than 40 vehicles, of the same type used by Jack Richards.

Michael Curtis, joint organiser of the event, said it had been supported 'brilliantly' with more than 200 vehicles.

'They have come from all over the country; from Bristol and the West Country to the north,' he said. 'This has been a year in the making and we have various engines from the modern designs to those pre-1930s.

'It is a chance for many of us to re-live our childhood years; to see these machines we grew up around. They are all very dedicated people, and these are the engines they once owned and want to show their children or grandchildren.

'A lot of keeping things like this going is down to the younger generation. Children will also learn about their heritage on vehicles that were used years ago. We just want to thank all the exhibitors and general public who came to support the event.'

The tractors were joined by some other impressive machines.

Graham Andrews, of the Wensum TR Group, had brought 10 Triumph cars with him.

'The appeal for us is the events we go to raise money for charity, and this is no different,' he said. 'It is our first time here and it's an opportunity for people to get close to the cars I love.'

South African-born Bob Clarke, of St Ives, Cambridgeshire, was at the show to see how British farming methods differed from his homeland.

'I worked on the farms in South Africa and it was a lot more mechanised here,' he said. 'The ones you see on the farms now are a lot more sophisticated.

'I've been most impressed by the tandem tractor. I have read about those but never seen one in real life. It is quite an impressive piece of machinery.'

Are you organising a large-scale event? Email dominic.gilbert@archant.co.uk