A display of vintage vehicles and classic cars was among the highlights of the first open day of the year at Dogdyke Pumping Station.

Hundreds of visitors flocked to the popular heritage site, which sits in attractive grounds by Tattershall Bridge, on Sunday afternoon.

As well as the cars, there were displays of domestic and agricultural bygones, old farm machines and model agricultural wagons.

Stalls featured bric-a-brac, a tombola, plants and children’s games, while a museum told the history of land drainage. Refreshments were served in the pump attendant’s cottage.

A display of classic cars was one of the highlights of the first open day of the year at Dogdyke Pumping Station, by Tattershall Bridge.

placeholder image — A display of classic cars was one of the highlights of the first open day of the year at Dogdyke Pumping Station, by Tattershall Bridge.

Visitors to the free event were also able to see the station’s unique Bradley and Craven beam engine of 1856 in steam and its 1940 Lincoln-built Ruston and Hornsby oil engine at work.

The steam engine powers a large, wooden scoop wheel pump that once drained water from the surrounding land into the River Witham.

In 1940, it was replaced by the oil engine and a 24-inch Gwynnes’ centrifugal pump, which were both made in Lincoln. This type of pump was once common around the Fenlands before being replaced by electric pumps.

The event was the first of many that will be held at Dogdyke throughout this year. Donations are always welcome to support the preservation of the site.