THIS year's Kent Steam and Transport Rally boasted more steam engines than ever before.

Thousands of visitors flocked to the Kent County Showground at Detling, near Maidstone, to see more than 1,400 exhibits, including vintage cars, motocycles, buses and tractors.

Displays from Australian daredevil stunt motorbiker Matt "The Kangaroo Kid" Couller were among the highlights of the event.

Difficult weather condition on Saturday restricted him to jumping over just three cars at a time but he was back up to his usual five by the time the sun came out on Sunday morning.

Junior daredevils as young as seven from the Kent Youth Trials Club also thrilled crowds with their motorbiking talents as they performed a series of stunts.

Television celebrity and steam engine enthusiast Fred Dibnah visited the show for the third time. Carey March, chairman of the rally organising committee, said: "Fred's an extraordinary man. We give him a caravan and he sits there signing autographs and just holds court, really, which is quite spectacular.

"We give him a steam engine to move around on. He's very popular and has such enthusiasm. You'd be surprised how many people come along just to see him."

The show, organised by the Kent County Agricultural Society, has been running for some 15 years.