MORE than 2,000 years of canal history will be sailing into Lymm this weekend.

The third annual Lymm Historic Transport Day takes place on the last day of Lymm Festival on Sunday.

Twenty-five historic boats from all over the region will be arriving to join in with the festivities.

But also expect some spectacular sights on the village's roads as Lancashire Traction Engine Club has chosen Lymm as the venue to celebrate its golden jubilee.

This year visitors will ferried into the village centre by a fleet of four vintage buses.

And there will be plenty to keep families there all day from the drive-in parade of classic cars and other vehicles at 10.30am to the sail past of historic boats at 4.30pm.

With the May Queen Field packed with motor transport exhibits, food and entertainment plus three halls of model railways it looks set to be a complete celebration of Lymm’s transport heritage.

"The growth of the event has been quite staggering," said event director Alan Williams.

"We have had to work really hard to keep up with demand."

Motorbike collector and exhibitor Alan Herriott added: "I travel widely attending shows and there is really nothing quite like Lymm.

"I think it’s the sheer variety plus the location, with the show centred round the village itself that makes it stand out.

"There is also a friendly welcome from the army of volunteers."

Up to a dozen engines will be arriving on Saturday to take up their positions alongside the canal.

During the weekend it will be like a scene from more a century ago as they will be supplied with coal by the working boat Ariel moored near the site of Lymm's old coal wharf.

Tickets are £5 for an adult, £3 for youngsters aged between five and 16 and £12 for a family of four. Under fives are free. Admission includes parking and return bus journey.

For more information visit lymmtransport.org.uk

DAVID MORGAN