IT'S full steam ahead for the eighth Kirkleatham Rally in east Cleveland in August.

The annual event will take place at Kirkleatham, near Redcar, over the weekend of August 11 and 12, but organisers are encouraging exhibitors, traders and visitors to put the weekend in their diary after the cancellation of many similar other events due to the foot-and-mouth crisis.

As well as the usual mix of steam traction engines, classic cars and motorcycles, stationary engines, commercial vehicles and bygones, organisers are looking for new exhibitors, traders, craftspeople and amusements.

Anyone wishing to take part should contact Kirkleatham Museum on (01742) 479500, to be put in touch with the various section stewards and event organisers