Camelford and District Agricultural Association Ltd held their ‘Tractor Gathering’ on Sunday, March 3.

Between 45 and 50 tractors met at Hilltop Farm Shop, Camelford, where they enjoyed bacon butties kindly provided by the cafe. Tractors of all shapes and sizes attended with drivers ranging from newly qualified to more the ‘vintage’ driver.

This year’s show president, Mr Michael Coombes said a few words before the tractors set off on the first part of their journey taking in Camelford, St Teath, Delabole, St Tudy and then on to St Breward where a group of volunteers provided teas, coffees and homemade cakes.

There was a clear message displayed on many of the tractors around “Backing British Farmers” and “No Farmers, No Food”.

A spokesperson said: “This is a very important factor for us in Cornwall as many lives depend on the farming industry and generations of farming families have worked the land and kept livestock to make Cornwall the agricultural haven it is.”

Part two of the journey took the group to Wilsey Down Hotel where the drivers, passengers and volunteers all enjoyed a carvery and spent a couple of hours discussing their journeys before heading home.

The spokesperson said: “All in all it was a very enjoyable day with only a few scattered showers but everyone was in high spirits and the day went off without a hitch.

“We would like to thank both the Hilltop Farm Shop and Wilsey Down Hotel for their hospitality which made this event such a success. We would also like to thank the local businesses who provided raffle prizes and sponsorship helping us to achieve a total profit of £1,230.”

Camelford Show was unfortunately cancelled last year due to the ongoing rain resulting in poor ground conditions, therefore fundraising events are essential to ensure it can survive financially. Without the support of local businesses and the time given by the group of intrepid volunteers they could not plan such events. The next fundraiser is the annual Easter Whist Drive which will be held on April 1 at Otterham Village Hall, 7.30pm.