Wellington's Vintage Fair has attracted large crowds

Treasurer of the committee Jeune Gersbach said as the event grew to incorporate more unusual attractions people were responding, travelling from far and wide to see the cars, machinery, stamp collections, dog jump, or to hunt down an unusual bargain.

The committee are already discussing the possibilities for next year, maybe even getting a specialist exhibit each year such as a German car feature.

"One year the owner of an antique steam car came especially from England, so the fair is definitely on the map," she said.

Performers Nigel Stanley, Terry Leonard, Tracie Budd and Barry Dickerson were a big hit, not to mention the poultry club's sell out display and the dog jump which has become highly competitive in its second year.

Ben Anderson's sheep dog Buddy won the dog jump closely followed by Alf Cantrell's dog Jack from Yeoval.

A number of stall-holders reported near record sales and both the reptile display and the helicopter rides were popular.

The controversial and historic John Fowler Steam Locomotive also made an unexpected return to the fair.

It was understood that the steam engine wasn't going to feature in the parade this year without a fully qualified driver available, Ms Gersbach said the committee had been able to get a driver at the last minute, adding that they were hoping the Fowler would be a mainstay of the fair for years to come.

"It is such a joy to have the John Fowler in the Vintage Fair," she said.

"People love to see it going up and down the streets and hearing it whistle, it reminds them of the old times."