HAMPSHIRE'S biggest steam engine rally has stoked up its local charities with a thumping £18,000 after yet another successful show.

The Netley Marsh Steam and Craft Show landed on a weekend of perfect weather in July and show secretary Tony Greenham said: "The show proved more popular than ever and we received tremendous support."

The show's unpaid volunteer committee has already begun working on next year's event, from July 25-27, and the attractions will include a free fall parachute display team, a trapeze act and several bands.

A big line-up of steam engines, vintage vehicles, stationary engines, models and one of the UK's biggest displays of vintage motorcycles is also assured.

Donations have been made as a result of last year's show to numerous organisations, many of which helped with the event.

The donations included the following - £2,000: St Matthew's Church, Netley Marsh. £1,200: St John Ambulance, Eastleigh Diving Club, Millbrook Rugby Club. £1,000: Fourth New Forest Eling Sea Scouts, Netley Marsh Church Restoration Fund and Netley Marsh Hall Fund. £900: Netley Marsh Scouts. £600: Hythe Air Training Corps. £550: St Edward's Sub-aqua Club. £500: Barton-on-Sea Sea Scouts, Fire Service Benevolent Fund, Ambulance Benevolent Fund, Calmore Cricket Club Kwik Cricket Club, Totton Three Score Club, Foxhills Infant School and Marchwood Orchestra. £400: Solent Old Fire Engine Association. £375: Netley Marsh School PTA and Woodland Playgroup. £300: Leukaemia Busters and Totton Opportunity Play Group. £250: Lyndhurst Police Club.