Everyone wants to beat the Bristol traffic, but a 10-tonne steam roller might be taking things a bit too far.

This vehicle, the oldest steam roller in working condition in the world, certainly turned a few heads when it set out for a spin on the city streets.

At 125 years old it is probably the oldest vehicle on the road but at 3mph it isn't the fastest.

And at 18ft long, 12ft tall and 6ft wide it certainly stands out.

Owner Dicken Priddy bought it 39 years ago for £600 and usually keeps it near his home in Picton Street.

Yesterday, the 62-year-old decided to drive it seven miles to Easter Compton, ahead of a steam fair on Saturday, October 10.

The route followed Redland Road to Henbury village, before taking back roads to Easter Compton.

The journey took about six hours, as the roller had to stop for an hour, every hour to be lubricated and take on more water.

Mr Priddy, a dentist, said: "I do a little bit of urban driving but not so much these days because of the traffic.

"It's just nice to have a roller to have a Sunday spin.

"You need a roller driving licence, boiler and road insurance but you don't need an MoT.

"Road tax is free but you have to apply for it every year.

"I bought it in 1970, for £600 – more than my house cost.

"Because it's 125, I thought its birthday should be marked in some way. Seven miles is a bit of an epic for me, but it never lets you down."

The fair is between 10am and 5pm on October 10. There will be stationary engines, tractors, buses and commercial vehicles, with a junk sale featuring 'railwayana'.

Tickets are £3.50, adults, £2.50, children over five, and £10 for families.