It is a popular annual event that regularly attracts thousands of visitors.

And making a welcome return to Suffolk's events calendar this weekend, it is full steam ahead for the 44th Grand Henham Steam Rally.

The event will take place on September 15 and 16 at Henham Park, near Southwold – with visitors to this year's rally having the chance to get behind the wheel of a steam engine for the first time in the event's history.

Organisers are promising a fantastic family day out – with exciting displays and parades as well as unusual animal attractions alongside the steam exhibits.

Visitors will be able to steer one of the rally's steam engines and find out what it takes to manoeuvre one of these incredible machines.

Public steering takes place on both days in the Len Murray Arena, which will also feature the Dog and Duck Show – as Stuart Barnes uses highly-trained sheepdogs to herd ducks.

Also set to appear is Nigel Oakley, from Rede Hall near Bury St Edmunds. He and his team will display both Shires and Suffolk Punch horses, along with a range of horse-drawn vehicles.

And there will also be another new display this year – steam roller barrel rolling.

There will also be hundreds of vintage, classic and modified vehicles, working steam engines, live music, the Ken Fox Wall of Death, a vintage fairground, children's entertainment as well as avenues of trade stalls and crafts.

As a charity, the rally raises thousands of pounds each year for numerous organisations including Wangford and District Community Council, Southwold (Sole Bay) Lions Club and the parochial Church Councils of Sotherton, Wangford cum Henham and Uggeshall.

Each year, the rally organisers also donate to additional charities and this year they have chosen the East Anglian Air Ambulance, UK Sepsis Trust, Wrentham Community First Responders, SERV Suffolk and Cambridgeshire and Southwold Lifeboat.

Entry is £12 on the gate for adults and over 14s, £3 for children aged eight to 14 and children under eight go free. There is also ample free parking.

For full details visit www.henhamsteamrally.com and follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.