Steam railway enthusiasts from around the world were among hundreds of visitors who converged on Mid Wales at the weekend.

Engine fans came from far and wide to the Steam Gala of the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway, which ran from Friday to Sunday.

Steve Milns with Lady Hesketh, a 1920 steam engine

And hundreds of people also enjoyed beautiful late summer weather as they took in the sights and sounds of this year’s Llanfair Caereinion Show, near Welshpool.

Organisers of the show said they were kept busy as hundreds of people from across Mid Wales flocked to the event which was held at Llysun Farm, Llanerfyl, on Saturday.

Events on the day included the Whitchurch Dog Display Team; Meirion Owen and the Quack Pack, a comedy dog and duck herding demonstration; The Mighty Smith Strong Man; the judging of the supreme horse championships and the decorated shires and mounted fancy dress.

Mr Geraint Peate, this year’s show’s president, said that the Porthywaen Junior Silver Band and terrier racing also wowed the crowds.

Mr Peate said: “I was so honoured and delighted to have been asked to be the president of this year’s show.

“I have attended every show since the very first one and I always enjoy the day.”

The Llanfair Caereinion Show

He added: “We in Llanfair are so fortunate to have a wonderful group of people who give so freely of their time to produce a special day out for us all to enjoy.”

Andrew Charman, the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway press officer, said the steam gala had been a “major success”.

“For the third year running, the gala was extended to include Friday, which featured extra trains from both Llanfair and Welshpool and lots of shunting activity in the stations,” he said.

“On both Saturday and Sunday, the line ran its most intensive service of the season.

“On both days there were plenty of departures each way from the terminus stations of Welshpool and from the railway’s Llanfair Caereinion headquarters,” he continued.

“Other attractions included the chance to look around the workshops and displays of traction engines and working models.”

By Anwen Evans