Tractor light run set to spread Christmas cheer

An annual festive tractor run is set to take place with the aim of raising thousands of pounds for charity.

The Ashbourne Christmas Tractor Lights is expected to see about 85 tractors and farm machinery light up villages in the area later on Saturday.

Organiser Clare Thornley said the event was about "having fun and spreading some Christmas cheer".

Mrs Thornley said the event was set up as a way to remember her husband's mum Helen Mead, who died of cancer in 2019.

Mrs Mead, who worked as a healthcare assistant at Royal Derby Hospital for more than 25 years, said: "Helen loved Christmas and was immensely proud of Tom and his tractors, so this seemed the perfect way to remember her.

"The smiles on the children's faces as we go around is what makes it worthwhile."

The event, which was first held in 2020, along with a fundraising party raised more than £11,000 last year for Cancer Research, Farming Community Network and PASIC - a local charity that fundraises to support children with cancer and their families.

Mrs Thornley said the tractors will follow a "slimmed down" route for this year.

The forage harvester with Mr and Mrs Thornley dressed as Mr and Mrs Claus is set to lead the parade.

The route begins at Stanton Dale at 16:15 GMT and is set to arrive at Ashbourne town centre at around 19:30 GMT. The parade is set to return to Stanton Dale at 21:00 GMT.

There will be collection points at local pubs along the way for people to donate.

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