UP to 100 of the finest tractors ever to grace the British countryside will take to the roads of the North Cotswolds in aid of charity on Sunday, May 8.

The Vintage Tractor Run, starting at Downs Farm on the Batsford Estate in Moreton-in-Marsh will cover a 50-mile route in an effort to raise money for the Moreton Show, which organised it with North Cotswold Tractor Club, and Cancer Research UK.

It promises to make spectacular viewing as these historic farming machines, with a top speed of 15 mph, roll through the Cotswold countryside.  

Roy Limbrick, a farmer from Sherborne who organised the event, lost his wife Sybil to cancer in 2015.

He said: “I’ve lost my wife and quite a few friends to cancer. We want to get on top of this disease and support those who are working on the drugs to combat cancer.”

He added: “We hope lots of people will come out and support the Tractor Run and help in the fight against this terrible disease.”

As well as modern tractors, some of the vehicles taking part in the event will date back to the 1950s while others may be older.

They will set off at around 10.30am and follow a route taking in the Sezincote Estate, Todenham, Great Wolford, Barton-on-the-Heath, Chastleton, Cornwell, Kingham, Wyck Rissington and the Slaughters.

Many of the tractors taking part can be seen later in the summer, playing a major part in the Moreton Show on Saturday, September 3.

Visit moretonshow.co.uk for more information.