Peninsula tractor run thrills young and old raising cash for air ambulance

Young and old were thrilled today as dozens of vintage and new tractors went on a charity drive around the peninsula to raise cash for the East Anglian Air Ambulance Charity.

The convoy stretched back more than half a mile as farmers and enthusiasts made the most of the sunshine to wave and toot at bystanders as they drove through most of the villages on the peninsula.

A refreshment stop and a bit of lunch at the Bakers Arms in Harkstead allowed scores of people to take a closer look at the wide variety of makes and models, some going back more than 50 years, but still drivable.

There was even one classic driver carrying his wife in style in the trailer, while children enjoyed clambering on the vehicles and pretend to be driving.

The Bakers Arms added a candy floss machine and an ice cream van for children to enjoy, and family quiz was held in the evening.

The event was organised by local farmer Russel Abbot to raise funds for the East Anglian Air Ambulance Charity and he drove the lead tractor around, mainly the back roads and some fields, to avoid disruption along the route.

The drivers paid an entry fee of £20 as and several generous donations have already been made. Nearly £1,000 has already been raised and you can donate by going to Russel's page here...

*To see more tractors and people involved in the enjoyable day, scroll right on the top image.

East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) is a 365-day-a-year helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) covering Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk & Suffolk.

They exist to save lives by delivering highly skilled doctors and critical care paramedics by air to seriously ill or injured people in the region.

The charity does not receive regular direct government funding and the £13 million needed to raise this year comes directly from charitable donations. The EAAA is only kept airborne thanks to supporters.