ALMOST 200 tractors took part in a charity event to help raise more than £100,000 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

The 15th Beadlam Charity Tractor Run – now one of the biggest annual tractor runs in the country - was launched in 2003 by retired local builder Bernard Simpson, and started with just 35 tractors.

Bernard, 88, and his family now organise what is a major annual event that attracts around 200 tractors, with a route that takes them 50 miles off-road and through 19 North Yorkshire villages.

This year’s event raised just over £10,000 bringing the total donated to Yorkshire Air Ambulance to more than £100,000.

Bernard’s son, Malcolm, an estate worker from Kirbymoorside, said: "I do a lot of the organising now, but this is still very much my Dad’s event. We get people coming from all over the place - including Scotland, Liverpool and Nottinghamshire – and get fantastic support from a team of local volunteers.

"Most of the money we raise comes from street collections in the local villages and it’s fantastic that we have got to the £100,000 mark for our local air ambulance charity."

The tractor run starts from Beadlam Grange Farm, owned by the Rooke family, who themselves have needed Yorkshire Air Ambulance after two separate horse riding and roof fall accidents.

Bob Smailes at the Yorkshire Air Ambulance said: "The Beadlam Tractor Run is now a firm fixture in the Yorkshire Air Ambulance events calendar. The support we receive on the route is wonderful.

"Bernard is a true ambassador for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and I cannot thank him enough for his support and dedication over the years."