The organiser of the steam and vintage section at the Royal Cornwall Show celebrates half a century of undertaking the role this year.

Rex Curtis, from Roche, was first asked by former show secretary, Albert Riddle, to organise some steam engines to be brought along to the 1968 Royal Cornwall Show.

‘It was quite controversial at the time,’ said Rex. ‘Not everybody was keen on steam engines and old vehicles being part of the show when I first started this.’

It wasn’t long before the doubters were won over and this new element of the show became a firm favourite with show-goers.

Going from strength-to-strength the section quickly grew in size. Today it occupies a large area on the showground, aptly situated adjacent to the show’s vintage fun fair.

This year 100 years of Fordson tractors will be celebrated with a large display of the iconic manufacturer’s models since production began in 1917.

Hero, a steam ploughing engine, showman’s engine, The Gladiator, and a working replica of the Puffin’ Devil, originally created by the Cornish grandfather of steam, Richard Trevithick, will be among the exhibits on show this year.

For more information about this year’s Royal Cornwall Show (8-10 June) please visit: www.royalcornwall.co.uk