THERE were many sooty smiles at Cark Airfield today as thousands turned up for the 41st Cumbria Steam Gathering.

Much cared-for cars, buses, motorbikes and of course, steam engines, sparkled in the sunshine at this year’s event.

From 1930s Royal Mail cars to St John’s Ambulance’s from the 1970s, there was plenty for enthusiasts to look at.

Lawn mower racing, children’s quad bikes, archery demonstrations and a performance from The 3Sixty Stunt Team also gave visitors entertained. It was a family affair for Ansell Turner, 7, who travelled to Cark from Barrow with his parents, Mike Turner and Helen Tomlinson, and two sets of grandparents.

Dad Mike said: “We are having a great day so far - it’s nice to come when the sun is out and there is something to look at. Ansell loves the steam engines so we went to look at those first.”

Liz Wright, from Ulverston, was also enjoying her day with partner Arnold Sharples.

She said: “We have not come to the steam fair for about ten years but it is such a lovely day we thought we would come and have a look at what is going on - it has certainly got a lot bigger since the last time we were here.

“We will probably be looking for the VW vans because my partner wants to see them.”