Watch: Shropshire tractor fundraiser supports charity

The sixth annual charity tractor rally took place on Sunday around Church Stretton, with vehicles going off the beaten track over the heathland on the iconic Long Mynd.

The fundraising trek was the idea of coach driver Mike Richards, from Picklescott, and farmer Tim Bebbington, of Botvyle Farm in All Stretton, and this year the event was held to support Diabetes UK.

Last year the 25-mile route took participants through the centre of Church Stretton, but at this year's event, it was slightly different and took in some of the Stiperstones on the other side of the Long Mynd.

Setting out from the Yew Tree public house in All Stretton at 10am, the tractors all went up on to the Long Mynd plateau and over the other side to Wentnor for lunch.

Mr Richards explained he and Mr Bebbington decided to start a tractor run after attending several together over the years.

He said: "We do it for different charities every year.

"My colleague Tim and I are both fans of vintage tractors and had entered various charity tractor runs elsewhere together.

"We thought we have fantastic scenery on our own doorstep, so why not try and organise one ourselves?"

Mr Richards said the tractor run was steadily growing in popularity, with more people turning out when the weather is good.

He added: "It started as a one-off, but it was popular so we thought we'd do it every year.

"We've liaised with the National Trust which means people got a chance to take their tractors where they would never normally be able to go.

"We got about 27 tractors last year, but did better than that with maybe 40 this year.

"It's quite weather related whether people come along on the day."

For more information or to enter next year's event call Mr Richards on (01694) 751739.