Tractor run supports Lincolnshire farmers' wellbeing

Farmer Andrew Jacklin, pictured right with tractor run organiser Sam Brown, says farming can be "very lonely"

More than 100 people have taken part in a tractor run to raise money for a charity that supports rural communities.

The convoy set off from Huttoft, near Alford, on Sunday for a 20-mile (32km) journey around the Lincolnshire countryside.

The proceeds from the event will go to the Lincolnshire Rural Support Network (LRSN).

Sam Brown, who organised the event, said: "I felt LRSN was a fitting choice of charity for this year given the current situation farmers find themselves in. The farming community play a big part in making this event a success, so it feels right to be supporting a service that is there if any of them need support."

Dozens of tractors took part in the run through the Lincolnshire countryside on Sunday

LRSN is a local charity which helps Lincolnshire's rural and agricultural community, many of whom live in isolated locations and experience problems associated with their physical and mental wellbeing.

Mr Brown, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, has organised the tractor run for the past 12 years.

Last year, he said 96 tractors raised £10,200 for St Barnabas Hospice.

Emma Billings, from LRSN, said: "Our confidential helpline has seen a vast increase in calls, and we need more than ever money raised for this vital service."

Grainthorpe farmer Andrew Jacklin said: "You actually spend a lot of time on your own, and you can worry about things, but it's very important to come to an event like this.

"It brings us together, so that we can talk with each other and almost share our troubles and share our joys. And tractors... as it's the glue that holds us all together."

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Tractors, large and small, took part in the run

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