A Gloucestershire man is set to drive his 1970's Ford tractor for 350 miles over four days to raise money for Great Western Air Ambulance Charity.

Jim Hannis rebuilt the traditional 70’s tractor a few years ago, which will begin travelling at a top speed of 20mph along the county border on Saturday, May 22.

The charity, which provides the air ambulance service for all of Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire, Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset and North Somerset, is called out over five times a day on average.

"Without people like Jim, we would be unable to be there for those who need us," said the charity’s community coordinator for Gloucestershire, Vicky King.

"People like Jim, quite literally, enable us to save lives. If you’re interested in supporting us, please do get in touch with the charity team, and if you see Jim out and about on his travels then please do show him your support.”

As a farmer, Jim wanted to promote the importance of his local air ambulance in rural communities and is urging everyone who sees him out on his challenge to donate to Great Western Air Ambulance Charity.

The air ambulance crew attended to 460 patients in Gloucestershire alone in 2020, with each mission costing around £2,000 to attend

Ms King said: “We’re really excited about Jim’s challenge coming up – it’s so great to have our fundraisers back out doing wonderful things in the community to raise money.

"After a year of cancelled community fundraising, it’s more important than ever for us now, and we’re delighted that Jim is able to go ahead with his plan after it was cancelled last year.

"As Gloucestershire’s local air ambulance charity, we provide lifesaving emergency treatment to those in need within the region."

If you would like to make a donation to Jim’s tractor trail, you can do so online.