Long Mynd charity parade has the tractor factor
[gallery] Twenty-five vintage vehicles snaked their way through the south Shropshire hills during an annual tractor run.
The convoy was waved off by a crowd of supporters from the Yew Tree Inn, in All Stretton.
A team of helpers joined drivers for the fifth annual Long Mynd tractor run to open and close gates along the route.
The tractors left the Yew Tree yesterday and stopped half-way for a buffet lunch at the Inn on the Green in Wentnor, before completing a six-and-a-half hour drive through the centre of Church Stretton and back to the pub. The event, which raises money for charity, was set up by part-time coach driver Mike Richards and farmer Tim Bebbington, of Botvyle Farm, who both own vintage tractors.
Mr Richards said he hoped this year's event would raise more than £350 for Hope House children's hospice. He said: "We didn't quite get the 40 tractors we were after but 25 made it into the convoy."
Mr Richards drove a 1969 Ford County tractor he bought and renovated six years ago for the 24-mile route, while Mr Bebbington climbed aboard his Fordson Dexta, which his family has owned since 1958.
"We already had some great feedback and because the day was so nice there were lots of gliders out on the Long Mynd," said Mr Richards.
"We raise money for a different charity each year and so far we've supported the Midland Air Ambulance, Help for Heroes, Leukaemia Research UK and Hope House."
