AN ANNUAL tractor run to raise money for two different charities has raised more than £1,600.

Oulton Tractor Run sees members of the agricultural community form a huge convoy that tours the village and other surrounding area.

This year, more than 50 tractors took part in the run as it left Oulton on a circuit route via Caldbeck.

Every year local farmer Shaun Carruthers organises the event with a team of volunteers and, despite the bad weather at the weekend, it was well attended.

Jane Roe, secretary of Oulton Village Hall, said: “A different route is chosen each year and this year the tractor run started at Oulton Village Hall with refreshments including home baking donated by residents, served from 8am while the tractors gathered.

“At 10am the tractors set off on a 35-mile circular route to Caldbeck where they stopped for ice cream and then back to Oulton Village Hall for 1.30pm for pie and pea lunch and a raffle draw with prizes kindly donated by local businesses.”

All proceeds from the event are split between two charities; The Great North Air Ambulance and Oulton Village Hall and this year looks to be the best yet.

In total £1,635.50 was raised which will be divided equally between the two.

Sponsorship for the raffle came from the NFU, The Greenhill Hotel, Wigton Road Car Sales, Aero Nurseries, GT Tyres, AWS, Bell Vue Vets, Ben Hodgson Car Sales, Wigton Market Traders, Carrs Billington, Thomas Graham, John’s Plaice, Wheyrigg Hall, Crofton Cheese Farm, Steve’s Tools, Armstrong Watson, D Paisley Butcher, Alternative Takeaway, Marrs Benson and H&H Insurance.

Mr Carruthers came up with the idea about 10 years ago when it started with just a few friends for a bit of fun and to raise money for charity and since then it has grown year on year.

Last year saw the most entries to date with 65, but despite the weather last weekend there were 56 entries and volunteers served up around 70 pie and pea lunches to tractor drivers and local residents.

Drivers and entry free cost £10 and the lunch cost £6.

Planning for next year’s tractor run will start early 2020.

The village hall host monthly events, for more information call 07951 626638 or email oultonvillagehall@gmail.com.