Farmers 'overwhelmed' by support after tractor run

Hundreds of onlookers braved the rain to watch a parade of almost 100 heavily decorated tractors in Ross-on-Wye.

The event, on 21 December, is now in its second year and has raised thousands of pounds for Midlands Air Ambulance.

Mike Morgan, one of the organisers, said while they're still adding up the final amount raised, they were "overwhelmed" by the support from locals.

He added: "Old people, young people, children.... I want to say a massive thank you to the people who came out to cheer us on, it made it all worth while."

Mr Morgan added: "As soon as we pulled in to St Mary's village, it was absolutely heaving from top to bottom."

He also said those taking part had really entered into the spirit of things, with farmers going to great lengths to entertain the families watching

He added: "They were brilliant... they went to town with their decorations."

Tractor runs have become more popular in towns and cities across the country, with farmers saying it's a good opportunity for them to engage with the local community and take a break from the hard work of winter farming.

Joint organiser Cian Alford, who works at Overross Livery in the town, delivering hay and haylage to horse owners, said he hoped it will now be an annual tradition.

"People seemed to absolutely love it... there were so many families there to watch - we will have to do it again next Christmas," he added.

One week on and the fundraising page has raised more than £3,000.Mr Alford said buckets collecting cash on the night had also been "filling up fast".

The total amount raised will be finalised in the new year.