Thousands of people helped celebrate Trevithick Day in Camborne on Saturday proud that one of the world's most famous inventors came from the town.

What would have otherwise been another oridinary Saturday was one huge festival of music, dancing and laughter.

Richard Trevithick, inventor of the high-pressure steam carriage, was suitably honoured as was his first passenger-carrying road locomotive in the world, the forerunner to the car and known locally as the Puffing Devil.

It was Trevor Dalley, who formed the Trevithick Day organising committee in 1983 ready for the first Trevithick Day a year later, who started it all off - and the annual occasion has been a success ever since.

One of the organisers, Marjorie Rowland, said: "Members of the committee don't actually see what gets done because they are busy all day." But she added all involved deserved praise, including volunteers Paul Barnes, Kingsley Rickard, Jeremy Bond, Ann Raymond, Charlie Daniel, Richard Olds, Rob Wing, Rebecca Bond, Bernie Porter, Phil Raymond, Jonathon Barbary, Elaine Lee and Jeanette Hill.

Those seen walking around the streets of Camborne on Sataurday seemed to be enjoying themselves. Many had returned to their birthplace - some from as far away as Australia - to take part in the truly special day.

"What I like most about Trevithick Day is that we are celebrating the history of Camborne and everything Cornish," said local taxi driver Shirley Jackson.

The day may have begun overcast but that did not deter those who gathered to watch the first dance of of the day, the Miners and Bal Maidens.

Dancers were pupils from Trevithick, Penponds, Rosemellin, Troon and Roskear schools. All wore traditional period dress.

Camborne Town Band took the lead, and miniature steam engines followed the dancers.

PC Malcolm Fall was among them. "It's probably the first time I've ever been up the front. People come from all over the country for this," he said.

The dance progressed from Basset Street, past the statue of Richard Trevithick into Cross Street on into Commercial Street leading into Trelowarren Street.

There was plenty of activity to follow with the Holman Climax Choir in fine voice. Pianist Agnes Jane wiped some drops of rain off her piano keys ensuring it would not spoil the performance. She has been with the choir for 32 years and a drop of rain was not going to put her off.

Further along, ladies from Pengegon Women's institute were busy on their stall selling home made goods.

Four of them, Sheila Thomas, Pearl Hancock, Shirley Downing, and Linda Hosking, took part in the Trevithick Day dance at 2.30pm.

Vibrant sounds were heard along the main street as the sun came out from behind the clouds and people enjoyed the bands and dancers from the Cornish Music Project together with schoolchildren from Camborne School, Caledonian Pipes and Drums and Jason's Drum Circle.

In Market Square were entertainments such as the Xanadu Delights Belly Dancers and the Cirque de Ciel circus skills workshop.

Other entertainments included, Mrs Mopp's Busy Day, Blossom the clown and Jollity the giant.

An air of expectation presided when people lined up along the pavements after lunch looking for good vantage points to watch a parade of steam engines followed by the Trevithick Day dance.

The replica of Puffing Devil trundled along the road followed by Camborne Town Band and the dancers. A spectacular column of engines followed. Each hooting in salute as they passed the statue of Trevithick.

The band played the immortal tune of Going up Camborne Hill Coming Down now, aptly re-named Trevithick's Tune, in his memory.

For the thousands of people who helped celebrate the day there was much more to see - not least Perranporth Model Railway Club working ride-on steam train, floral art and models viewed in both Parish and Centenary churches. Concerts were also held in both churches.

The steam engines were later on display in Bassett Road.

On Sunday, Puffing Devil and other steam engines took their places for the Camborne Hill run to commemorate its first test run in 1801. As they turned into Trelowarren Street, Camborne Town Band gave a concert and played the Trevithick's Tune.