Cornwall town celebrates 40th Trevithick Day

The event celebrates the industrial heritage of the Camborne area and engineer pioneer Richard Trevithick

People in Cornwall have celebrated Camborne's 40th Trevithick Day.

The event is a one-day festival celebrating the industrial heritage of the Camborne area, including famous son Richard Trevithick.

The Cornwall inventor and mining engineer was an early pioneer of steam-powered road and rail transport.

Visitors to the town enjoyed steam engines from all over the country, parades, singing and dancing.

The event is a one-day festival celebrating the industrial heritage of the Camborne area

Chairman of Camborne Trevithick Association Trevor Brookes said it was a free "family fun entertainment day".

"Once you're here, it's absolutely free [with] four stages of entertainment," he said.

Festivities also included local bands and choirs, street entertainers and vintage vehicles.

Collin French said the day celebrated Camborne as an "engineering centre"

Collin French, custodian of the Puffing Devil engine, a replica of Mr Trevithick's first high-pressure steam locomotive, said the original machine "really shaped the modern world".

The replica of his invention, which drove up Camborne Hill on 24 December 1801, took part in the day.

Mr French said: "Everything you see on this road today descends from this very engine.

"It's something really special for me because it highlights the history of Camborne as an engineering centre."

Shop owner Jo Weller said it was "one of the best days of the year".

"It's so sociable, you see people you haven't seen for ages. I just love it," she said.