An exceptionally busy autumn at Tees Cottage Pumping Station culminated in a record-breaking October weekend when just short of 1,000 visitors dropped in over two days.

The attendance of 671 visitors on Gala Day Sunday set a record for the site.

A number of special attractions significantly swelled the numbers, including an exhibition of year 11 artwork from Hummersknott Academy, the visit of the 1923 Pegasus Steam Roller, and a display of army vehicles.

The Teesside Yesteryear Motor Club brought along almost 70 classic cars and 30 classic motorcycles which provided an impressive spectacle for local petrol heads, while the Aycliffe and District Bus Preservation Society displayed a 1928 vintage coach dressed in United Bus Company livery.

The pumping station’s beam engine, boilers, gas engine, small stationary engines and smithy all also performed for the benefit of the crowds, and The Cottage Tea Room did a roaring trade, having to restock on a number of occasions.

Organisers thanked all those who made the weekend such a success. The attraction’s annual Victorian Christmas Fair will be on November 23.