FRIENDS and family of the late Jake Gardner took part in a tractor parade to remember the popular young farmer.

A total of 33 new and vintage tractors took to the roads around Guiting Power, where Jake lived, to pay tribute to the young man who died in a car accident aged 19 in 2012.

Tractor drivers assembled at Guiting Manor Farm before following a two-hour, figure-of-eight route around local villages, with volunteers keeping everyone on course and refreshed with sausages, cakes and drinks.

The tractor run was held in aid of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (R.A.B.I.), for which Jake had talked about raising money, and has raised £1,285 so far.

Jake was a farmer through and through and after studying at Hartpury College had started his own agricultural business.

The tractor run was the most recent event held by Jake’s family and friends in his memory.

Earlier this year a team from the Hollow Bottom pub in Guiting Power ran the Edinburgh Marathon, raising more than £3,000, and to date more than £6,000 has been raised.

The farming charity’s regional manager, Jenni Thompson, said: “Jake had told friends that R.A.B.I. was a charity ‘worthwhile supporting’.

"There can be no better tribute to his understanding of the farming community’s needs than for his family and friends to have raised so much money in his name. We are very grateful for their support.”

R.A.B.I is a grant-making charity which helps farming people of all ages if they are in financial difficulty. To find out more, visit rabi.org.uk or call R.A.B.I.’s confidential helpline on 0300 303 7373.