THE organiser of a Stoke Prior annual event has described an incident in which two caravans caught fire as an unfortunate accident.

And Keith Shakespeare has vowed the Stoke Prior Steam Rally - formerly the Hanbury Steam Rally - will return next year, despite some residents' safety concerns.

The popular rally is held annually at Little Intall Fields, in Stoke Pound Lane off Hanbury Road, and features various exhibits of classic vehicles, model displays and collections, as well as entertainers.

On Saturday, (September 13), just before noon, a large fire broke out at the event when a caravan caught fire. Another caravan nearby then also caught fire, before firefighters arrived and used two hose reels and breathing apparatus to extinguish the blaze.

The caravans were not on display, but being used by exhibitors staying at the site over the weekend.

Residents have told the Advertiser they were worried about the safety at the event, saying no one took control when the fire started, and it was only luck the fire did not spread.

One eyewitness, who did not want to be named, said: "We go and enjoy the rally every year.

"But there was an uncontrollable fire that had could have been worse.

"It could have been a disaster - the outcome was very lucky."

Mr Shakespeare explained it was difficult for him to comment as an investigation was underway.

But he said fire officers examined the site after the incident and found no health and safety issues, which meant the event was able to continue into the Sunday.

He said: "It was an usual event, an unfortunate accident.

"Extinguishers were used, and gas containers removed (after the fire started). There was nothing else near for the fire to spread to.

"It was just one of those things - we will be back next year."

He added that the fire hadn't marred the event, which thousands attended and enjoyed across the weekend.

A spokesman for Bromsgrove Fire Station said after extinguishing the fire, officers held discussions with organisers to ensure the event is safer in the future.