The Cumbria Steam Gathering at Flookburgh was starting to get into its stride when The Mail paid a visit to Cark Airfield in 1988.

This was the third year in which that venue held the event, which exhibited traction engines, steam rollers, steam wagons, farm tractors, fire engines and military equipment belonging to owners from across the country.

More modern machines were also on display, with six Morris Minors among the first-time visitors.

Remarkably, the Barrow branch of the Morris Minors Association had sent out a membership form to a Briton living in Malaysia, after he had spotted them proudly displaying their cars.

Secretary Shelagh Lawson said: “His friend was after some Morris Minor parts for him and saw us, so I gave him a membership form to send to him in Sarawak!”

Back to the steam, and engines and varying sizes and polished to perfection chugged around the display rings to the admiring glances of enthusiasts.

Away from the machinery, children were kept entertained through the day by Punch and Judy shows.

For the adults that attended, they were able to browse around the large marquees that housed rural crafts, an antique fair and railway models, which kept the theme of steam.