FOR years it lay in bits but now the Brinkburn Lass is helping keep alive the magic of steam in the 21st Century.

The traction engine, built by the Mann's Steam Cart and Wagon Company in Leeds in 1919, spent its working life on the Fenwick and Brinkburn estates in Northumberland, where it was used in ploughing and sawmills.

At the weekend, it was back in action during a traction engine rally at Beamish Open Air Museum, in County Durham.

It was bought from the Brinkburn Estate in 1959 by agricultural contractor Jack Wakefield, by which time its working life was over and major repairs were needed.

He was keen to see the steam machines, which were once common, preserved for the enjoyment of future generations, and gave the Brinkburn Lass to his son, Roy.

Roy Wakefield, of Hetton-le-Hole, near Sunderland, was a site investigator in the drilling business and when he retired a few years ago he had the time to rebuild the engine.

"It cost a few bob, no great fortune, spread over a few years," Mr Wakefield said.

Now Brinkburn Lass is appearing at rallies introducing a new generation to the magic of steam.

"It hasn't turned out too bad. Last year was its first time out.

"I'm going to rally rather extensively this year. I'm taking it down to Banbury shortly and it will be going to the Buxted rally, then to Dorset, then back up to Cheshire. That's apart from the local rallies.

"I'm going to be as busy as possible taking it around on our old Foden six-wheel wagon."