A STEAM rally in the Ribble Valley was a huge success despite disruption from a controversial British National Party carnival and counter-demonstration by the Anti-Nazi League.

The Ribble Valley Vintage Club's 14th annual rally attracted thousands of enthusiasts from across the country to view 800 exhibits, including tractors, engines, cars and bicycles.

The club switched venues after the far right BNP decided to hold its annual carnival in an adjacent field at the same time. Organisers agreed to move the event to a field further along the A59 at Sawley Brow near Clitheroe.

Despite fears that attendance at the vintage rally might be adversely affected, the event was a huge success, organisers said.

Club spokesman Raymond Clough said: "It was a great day and we weren't affected too much by the weekend's events. There was a strong police presence in the area, but that didn't seem to put our visitors off."