PICKERING traction engine rally steams into town next week - with the promise of a terrifying Wall of Death to wow the crowds.

Motorcycle nut Leanna Starr will be attempting the daring stunt as part of a series of attractions at the rally, which runs from Thursday, July 31, to Monday, August 4.

Leanna, who is only 16, will be the first woman in more than 25 years to pull off the daredevil performance, if she succeeds.

She said: "I was fascinated by the Wall of Death from the first time I saw it.

"I spent the whole weekend hanging around the show and pestering them for a job.

"At first I had to do all the menial jobs - when they realised I was serious, they finally offered to teach me to ride."

The five-day steam event has been gathering pace since it began in 1975, with around 2,000 exhibitors expected to bring steam engines of every size to the show site.

Organiser Simon Boak said this year's rally would see the largest collection of showman steam engines on parade, including a Victorian steam yacht ride.

Working steam engines used for threshing, stone crushing and road rolling will be displayed in all their industrial glory, but Mr Boak said there would be plenty of other attractions to prove steam wasn't just about work.

Steam-powered fairground rides with coloured lights and bright canopies will be wowing the crowds, alongside three stage shows featuring steam-powered music, dancing girls and magicians.

Mr Boak said Ryedale's tourism industry should receive a huge boost from the giant event.

"Exhibitors come for the whole week and they go off on day trips to other attractions, and we are hoping to see more than 25,000 visitors this year.

"Staff at the tourist information centre in Pickering have told me lot of the bed and breakfasts are getting filled up."

The traction engine rally takes place at Pickering Showground, off the A169 Malton to Pickering road.

Updated: 10:28 Thursday, July 24, 2003