Published: April 18, 2010
In photos: Over 50 tractors join road run for Burnham hovercraft appeal

Over 50 vintage tractors chugged their way through the Burnham-On-Sea area on Sunday (April 18th) during a fundraising tractor road run that ended on the town's seafront.

North Somerset Vintage Tractor Club's members organised the event from Sandford to Burnham via Winscombe, Rooksbridge, East Brent and Berrow, and helped raise almost £700 for hovercraft rescue charity BARB.

Crowds of spectators turned out to watch the 53 vehicles arrive on the seafront, where they were on display for two hours.

The convoy was led by BARB's own rescue tractor, which has undergone a six-month overhaul and was back on service for the first time on Sunday. BARB volunteers Rob Wing and Dave Cottle, who have led the technical upgrade, were also on hand to discuss the work.

Kevin Patch, Chairman of North Somerset Vintage Tractor Club, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "We're absolutely delighted with how the day went. We had strong support from our members and had 53 tractors take part. Everyone enjoyed the trip to Burnham and we are very pleased to have raised £670 for such a worthwhile local cause."

He thanked organisers Sheila and Mick Chapman for all their hard work in setting up the event, which was the club's first road run. The money raised will go towards BARB's ongoing fundraising appeal to buy a new replacement hovercraft.

The tractors arrived in convoy at mid-day on Burnham's Esplanade

A crowd of onlookers visited the tractors while they were parked on the seafront lawns

BARB's Rob Wing, Dave Cottle and Eddie Fey receiving the donation from the North Somerset Vintage Tractor Club's Chairman Kevin Patch and organiser Mick Chapman

BARB's Graham Hallsworth with organisers Sheila and Mick Chapman and steward Jennie Hobbs during Sunday's event in Burnham

The tractor drivers and BARB supporters celebrated the successful event outside the hovercraft station on Sunday