Hertfordshire tractor convoy raises festive funds for charity

About 1,000 spectators watched the Christmas convoy of tractors and other farm vehicles

A procession of 100 tractors and farming vehicles has rolled through several Hertfordshire towns decked out in tinsel and festive lights.

The Christmas convoy was driven through Baldock, Letchworth and Hitchin on Saturday, seen by a 1,000-strong crowd.

Organiser Richard Hill, a farmer contractor from St Ippolyts, said the event was "amazing" and "lifted everyone's spirits".

It was to raise funds for the Garden House Hospice, in Letchworth.

Richard Hill called in help from Father Christmas and his elves

Mr Hill said the procession was organised to boost people's "mental health" and he believed that had been achieved as he had "not seen one face there not smiling, not happy and not chatting to their mates".

He decorated his tractor with lights and pulled along a trailer with a DJ, Father Christmas and an elf.

Farmers from across two counties got into the festive spirit

Mr Hill said when he first had the idea, he thought only 20 or 30 tractors would take part.

But "every farm in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire sent a tractor or two" as well as other vehicles, he said.

Mr Hill said he had the support of the National Farmers Union, local businesses and the council and just wanted to get people together.

"It was totally amazing. I can't thank everyone enough. Everyone has gone to town."

Richard Hill made sure his own vehicles were decorated too

Carla Pilsworth, from Garden House Hospice, said: "It's absolutely incredible, just what the community needed."

Photographer Roman Turney, from Hitchin, who captured the parade on camera, said: "It was great to see all the vehicles covered in lights for a great cause."

The local NFU was there to award a prize to the best decorated tractor