They came to pay tribute as he would have wanted it - with blackened faces but happy hearts.

It could have been a cheerless Strumpshaw Steam Rally this year following the untimely death of Jimmy Key, its leader, last month.

But, for the thousand steam enthusiasts who stayed late on Saturday to pay tribute in a special memorial service, it was a determinedly jovial occasion.

Surrounded by some of the 58-year-old's favourite steam engines, enthusiasts from all over the country shared a chuckle as friends and family paid tribute to the farmer and conservationist.

By the end of the service many of the faces, blackened from a day of shovelling coal, were being washed by freely-flowing tears.

But it was the sheer number of people and steam engines on site - higher than in any previous year - that no-nonsense Jimmy would have taken as the biggest tribute to his leadership.

A total of 65 full-size and 54 miniature engines are taking part in the three-day event, which finishes today, making Strumpshaw one of the biggest and most eagerly awaited steam rallies in the UK.

Dating back to the last years of the 19th century, the ornate and lovingly-preserved engines - which last saw active service in the fields more than 60 years ago - have come from far and wide to take part in the rally, now in its 38th year.

Alongside the engines are traditional fairground equipment, vintage cars, bicycles and tractors and a museum featuring a mammoth 100-ton beam engine with an 18ft diameter flywheel.

While the combination of heavy rainfall, heavy engines and heavy footfall turned the Old Hall site into something of a quagmire on Saturday, the sun made it out in time for the 6pm memorial service.

And, as more than a thousand people stood surrounded by his beloved engines, it was Jimmy's kindness and humour that were remembered most of all.

Daughter Becky said: “Dad was a colourful character and a little bit eccentric but he always worked hard and had many friends from all walks of life.

“He was generally always right - apart from when he bought paint - and he liked to take the mickey out of people. I think it is that which people will miss the most.”

Duncan Marston, friend and fellow steam enthusiast, said: “He wouldn't have wanted me to pay tribute to him, he'd have wanted me to talk about the price of wheat.

“Many of you here are steam enthusiasts, some of you are from the world of farming, conservation and shooting. There's one common thread -Jimmy touched all of our lives and we're here to celebrate that privilege.

“Jimmy spent his spare time improving his steam collection until it became widely recognised as one of the best in the country.

“He was a hard man but always warm. He had a cutting wit but was never malicious. Never ostentatious but certainly had style. He walked with kings but kept the common touch.

“Jimmy was never afraid to have a go at something unusual. He had so many things in his life. He was a tremendous host and would set any dinner party alight.

“There's so much to say about Jimmy - he was such a character and such an influence on our lives.”

The Vicar of Strumpshaw Vivienne Elphick said that Jimmy was referred to as the Toilet Man because he was never afraid to get stuck in when there was a problem at the rally.

“It is appropriate that we come together here to celebrate Jimmy's gifts and character,” she added. “He never happier than when he was getting his hands dirty and mucking in with everyone.”

As the service closed Jimmy's favourite engines, Princess Royal and the Foden Steam Lorry, tooted a poignant and final farewell.

But as the crowds repaired to the beer tents to share their own reminiscences of times with Jimmy his family vowed to return next year - keeping his memory and the age of steam alive.