THE seventh tractor run organised by the Tavy Tractor Club was again blessed with a beautiful day and unprecedented support when 45 tractors from as far away as Barnstaple and Looe gathered for the event.

Participants met at Knightstone Tea Rooms on Yelverton Aerodrome before leaving for a two hour run westwards to Lopwell Dam, Maristow House and finishing on the steep rise up from Milton Combe.

Alan Glanville who led the procession said that the final ascent would have cleared a few cobwebs from the old tractors coming out of hibernation.

Not all tractors were vintage but the club welcomed the younger generation who can not yet afford the luxury of owning an old timer – their support was invaluable and their interest ensures the future of such events.

Throughout the day ‘Farmer Mudge’ ran his threshing machine, this year joined by a stationary baler, both driven by Nuffield tractors. Older vehicles were displayed with a 1957 Zephyr Zodiac shown in the final stages of complete restoration shown by John Horn of Bere Alston.

On their return the drivers joined those attending the dog show and were treated to a demonstration by the crew of Yelverton Fire Station, led by Fred Glanville, of how they would extricate a victim from a crashed car. Volunteer Jo Parnell said it was quite scary but appreciated the reassurance given throughout by a crew member. A spontaneous round of applause greeted the crew on completion.

As always the nominated charity, this year The Chestnut Appeal, received the major donation — £1,162.50 — and others, by their own efforts collected various amounts totalling £2,065.50 in all.

Organiser Stephen Horn said: ‘It’s incredible really – I just let people know its happening and all these people turn up offering help.

‘The tractor drivers and their families are so generous, as are everybody who gives the most precious resource – their own time.

‘I can not thank everyone enough and having been cared for by The Chestnut Team and the Braunton Ward in Derriford it is good to know that we were supporting a local charity and hopefully raising awareness of prostate cancer and the need for timely investigation.’

Pictured above left are some youngsters enjoying the day.