EIGHT gleaming traction engines proved to have crowd-pulling power at the weekend.

They joined classic cars and motorbikes for the 11th Kirkleatham Vehicle and Engine Rally, near Redcar.

The two-day event proved popular, with an estimated 3,000 people visiting the Kirkleatham showground yesterday afternoon.

A spokesman said: "With the sun coming out, it is very busy; we have reached our peak."

The rally was brought forward a week to avoid clashing with a steam rally at Pickering, North Yorkshire.