A 20-tonne land and sea vehicle made a special delivery to a tiny island nature reserve on Friday.

The amphibious vehicle, formerly owned by the Army, was employed to ferry a much-needed tractor to Skomer Island, off the Pembrokeshire coast.

The tractor is essential for work on the island

M2s are usually used by the armed forces to cross rivers and other inland waters.

The bridging and ferrying vehicle which made the delivery is privately owned and was loaned to the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales.

It was launched from Martin's Haven, near Marloes at high tide, to cross the 1km strip of water that separates Skomer from the mainland.

Workers on the island say they desperately need a replacement tractor after the harsh weather conditions caused the old one to corrode.

It essential to everyday chores carried out by the island's warden who looks after the 750 acres of land which is home to a variety of sea birds.

Skomer Island

The world's biggest population of Manx shearwaters Boasts largest colony of puffins in southern Britain Two beaches About 160 Grey seal pups are born there annually 15,000 people visit every year Porpoises and Dolphins live in the surrounding waters

"The tractors on Skomer only seem to have a ten year life span - the weather means they corrode very quickly," said Juan Brown, warden on the island.

"It is brilliant that this new tractor is going to have a plastic body, hopefully it will last a bit longer.

"It is going to be a really impressive sight to see it arrive on the back of the M2," he added before the trip.

The tractor is used for essential agricultural tasks and to transport vital supplies such as food and gas bottles across the rugged terrain.

In rough weather, the tractor is also used to drag the island's boat from the sea to protect it from damage.

The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, who manage the island, acquired the four-wheel drive tractor at a discounted price.

The journey took about 15 minutes

Trustees hoped that the New Holland TC40D tractor, fitted with plastic bodywork to prevent rusting cold be flown out to the island by the RAF.

But other commitments meant that the air force wouldn't be able to deliver the tractor to Skomer until September.

Local engineer Andrew Aldred, who owns the M2, agreed to deliver the tractor.