THOUSANDS of enthusiasts will gather this weekend to pay their respects to Bolton steeplejack Fred Dibnah at a steam rally held in his memory.

The rally, near Preston on Saturday and Sunday, has been organised by steam enthusiast friends of Fred.

Alf Molyneux, Fred's "steersman" in his recent hit BBC programme Made in Britain, will dedicate the rally as almost 30 steam engines gather in the arena at Leisure Lakes, Mere Brow.

The rally has been organised by Rotarian and haulage contractor Alan Atkinson, who transported Fred's steam engines during filming for the television series.

Mr Atkinson, also a steam engine owner, said: "We have dedicated the rally to Fred and as well as raising money for local charities, we want to raise money for the memorial to Fred being planned in Bolton by the Civic Trust and the Bolton Evening News."

This year is the centenary of Rotary International.

Mr Atkinson thought a steam rally would be the ideal way to celebrate 100 years of Rotary service as well as celebrating the life of Fred, who died after losing his battle against cancer last November.

Among the exhibits at the rally will be a steam-driven threshing and baling set demonstrated by Johnson's of Banks, near Southport.

There will also be more than 60 classic commercial vehicles including the entire collection of trucks belonging to William Hunter, never seen by the public.

More than 20 steam-powered vehicles, including a recently imported Stanley steam car thought to be the only one in Europe will also be on show.

Other attractions include tractors, vintage and classic cars, motorbikes, and a samba band.

Books and videos of Fred's escapades will be on sale.

Anyone who would like to offer support by visiting the rally or would like to learn about the event and steam engines, should contact Mr Atkinson on 01772 624115 or email trailers@atkinson

trailerhire.co.uk

The Fred Dibnah Memorial Fund, set up to pay for a lasting tribute to Fred, stands at £5,500.

Donations can be made at the rally or at Lloyds TSB Bank, Hotel Street, Bolton, or any Lloyds branch in Bolton borough.