Festive tractors hit the road in charity Christmas convoy

Arranged by South Staffs Water and Staffordshire Young Farmers Clubs, the cavalcade of tractors were lit up with lights and some even had an inflated Santa and a rotating Christmas tree.

They travelled a 20-mile route through the villages of Hamstall Ridware, Blithbury, Abbots Bromley, Blithfield and Hill Ridware.

The event was held to raise cash for WaterAid, Staffordshire Young Farmers Clubs and The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, and has raised more than £3,600 so far.

Nina Yiannoukos-Benton, senior catchment advisor at South Staffs Water, said: “It was amazing to be involved in arranging this tractor run. We were so pleased at the numbers taking part and to see the smiles on the people’s faces as we drove by was wonderful.

"It was so much fun and we raised more money than we expected too. We’ve already had people asking if we’ll do it again next year.”

Julia Taylor, county organiser at Staffordshire Federation of Young Farmers Clubs, said: “The Christmas Tractor Run was a first of its kind for us to organise, working alongside South Staffs Water.

"We were completely overwhelmed by the amount of people who came out to support and give generously in the villages as the convoy passed through. The feedback from the tractor drivers, general public and all those involved has been really positive which is a very good for the agricultural industry.”

After the run, drivers and supporters enjoyed their evening at Cowley Hill Farm, Hamstall Ridware, where a band played classic Christmas songs and awards for best dressed drivers and tractors were given out.

To make a contribution to this year’s Tractor Run charities, visit their JustGiving website.