A RECORD number of tractors turned out for a charity race in memory of a local farmer to raise almost double the amount of money from previous years.

A total of 84 tractors took part in the Rillington tractor run, organised by farmer Paul Hudson in memory of his Uncle Arthur who died from cancer last year.

Paul said that he was astounded at the support shown for his uncle and was thrilled with how the day went.

He said: "It was a really great day. We had a shower once or twice but other than that it was a great day.

"Uncle Arthur would have been really pleased and all his old ploughing friends turned out which was great as well. The most tractors we have ever had is 64 so I wasn't expecting the 84 that we had."

Paul, 58, of Rillington, led the tractors along the 30 mile route passing through villages including Thixendale, and Duggleby to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support as a way of saying thank you for the care they gave to his uncle and his family.

Initially Paul was hoping to raise £1,500 but through the sheer number of people who came out to show their support Paul has almost doubled his fundraising target.

"The most we had raised previously was £1,550 but I think we will have raised about £3,000 which is fantastic. It just shows how generous people can be.

"I also want to say a huge thank you to everyone who came along and to everyone who sponsored us."