Steam fans young and old are invited to Uppermill this weekend for the first Saddleworth Steam Festival.

Saddleworth Round Table are organising the free event, set to take place today (October 7) from noon to 8pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm.

On both days there will be five, full-size traction engines, plus a few smaller ones too at the Museum Car Park in Uppermill.

Rides up and down Uppermill High Street will be offered, alongside a mini tour route up the steep hill to the Church Inn, and then again across to the Old Bell in Delph.

The steam engine rides will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and everyone will be encouraged to get involved in the world of steam.

The organisers expect the perfect weather conditions for a steam outing, with the forecast suggesting a balmy high of 22C over the weekend.

There will be a real ale bar, which will showcase the locally brewed “We Are Wolf” beer, alongside food and soft drinks.

There will also be much merchandise and memorabilia for steam fans old and new to purchase.

Saddleworth Round Table have even suggested a special guest will appear. Details are scant, but it is believed the guest loves to “dash around Saddleworth delivering presents”.

A charity event, all funds raised on the day will be donated back to the community.

The kind-hearted ‘Tablers’ urge people to come out and support this exciting event, and to donate generously.

It is hoped the Steam Festival will come to be a regular and much-anticipated part of the Saddleworth events calendar.