Farmers organise festive tractor convoys in major charity fundraising effort

Convoys of tractors decked in fairy lights and tinsel drew in excited crowds up and down the country as farmers pulled together to raise thousands of pounds for charity while connecting urban and rural communities.

Tractor runs have grown in popularity in recent years, with various spectacles now taking place each weekend in the run up to Christmas.

In Liverpool, arable farmer Olly Harrison raised more than 50,000 with his convoy of 100 machines which toured through the city and to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

He said: “The kids were absolutely delighted to see the tractors and we drew in crowds 10 people deep right along the 30-mile journey.

“We also went through the poor areas of Liverpool delivering to the food bank.

"I think that if people see farmers doing this magical thing each Christmas, they will grow up to be shoppers with an appreciation of British produce and possibly want to be farmers themselves one day.”