IT is full steam ahead as organisers make the final preparations for Lymm Historic Transport Day on Sunday, June 25.

The event now attracts thousands of exhibitors and visitors from across the north west and has quickly become one of the main events in the village's social calendar.

Event director Alan Williams said: "We had no idea what we were starting in 2013. It started with the thought that we could include the Bridgewater Canal a little more in the summer festival.

"Historic working boat owners enthusiastically responded to an appeal for visits and we now regularly get 20 plus old boats."

Next to them on the market car park this year will be at least a dozen traction engines including Betsy – the engine lovingly restored by the late Fred Dibnah. It is being exhibited by his son Roger.

A replica Spitfire will be on display again this year but visitors will also be treated to a flypast by an original Spitfire of the Battle of Britain Memorial flight at 11.25am.

Meanwhile one of the top attractions on the main event field is a full size replica of the 1960s Batmobile.

Warrington Model Engineering Society has retired from the show scene and so the group will not be at the festival this year.

But instead the event will feature a true narrow gauge steam engine for the first time, the newly built Whitfield Light Railway.

There is plenty for the kids too.

A huge semi-animatronic dinosaur will be going walkabout on the main event field at 12.30pm and 2.30pm with a baby triceratops putting in appearance at 1.30pm.

Meanwhile next door at Maple Lodge Scout headquarters the Northern Brickworks Lego Club return with another Lego transport exhibition with the chance for kids to get hands-on.

And keep a look out for special guest Liz McIvor, presenter of BBC One series, The Making of a Nation, on the history of the Canals and Railways.

Alan added: "With 400 classic vehicles, model railways and cars, motor cycles and cycles there really is something for everyone.

"From the drive-in parade at 10.30am to the historic sail-past at 4.30pm there is a huge amount to see and enjoy and when you tire of the exhibits get yourself a picnic from the world food court on the field and lie back and listen to the 40s and 50s music or better still get up and dance."

Transport Day’s special guest this year is Liz McIvor presenter of BBC ONE Series “The Making of a Nation” on the history of the Canals and Railways.

The event is raising money to help support Lymm’s new Heritage Centre which throws its doors open for the first time on the weekend of Transport Day with an exhibition on the history of cycling .

- Lymm Historic Transport Day is on Sunday, June 25. Tickets on the day are £5 for adults, £3 for children or £12 for a family of four. It includes a park and ride service on a vintage bus. For more information visit lymmtransport.org.uk