STUDENTS from the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) pulled a tractor through Cirencester town centre to their campus, one and a half miles away, to raise money for charity today.

RAG (Raise and Give) Week is a tradition at the RAU, which gives the students the opportunity to come together and raise money for various causes.

The tractor pull, which took place this morning, was to raise funds for three causes: Mind, The Farming Community Network, and The High Sheriffs’ Fund.

This year’s events, which finish on Sunday, have been organised by the RAG team and RAU student union.

This year’s activities have included a charity auction, RAG rally, rugby match, board games, team sports, RAC Beagles meet, ramble, shoot, quiz night, and of course – the tractor pull.

Lady Bathurst, the High Sheriff of Gloucestershire, has been attending events throughout the week and enjoyed cheering on the students during the RAU tractor pull.

She said: “I’m immensely proud and extremely grateful to the students at the RAU for choosing The High Sheriffs’ Fund as one of the RAG Week charities.

“In a long standing tradition of a week of fun and frolics, there is also a serious side to RAG Week and that is helping others.

“I’m delighted that some of the proceeds will be doing just that by continuing work of The High Sheriffs’ Fund in Gloucestershire, helping many young people to better their lives.”

Ben Clappison, RAG chairman, said: “RAG Week is particularly important to the students of the RAU.

“It’s a highlight of the year that allows the student body to come together and raise funds for charity, whilst enjoying the large range of events planned by the student union.

“This year we’ve added some great new activities to the RAG Week calendar, so we hope that there is something for everyone.

“On behalf of myself and the RAG team, I would like to thank everyone who is supporting our 2017 RAG fundraising, and urge anyone who is able, to make a small donation. We are confident that this year’s RAG will be another great success – it’s certainly a week that no RAU student should miss!”

You can make a donation via the RAU RAG Week Crowdfunder page at crowdfunder.co.uk/rag-2017