TRACTORS spanning 70 years took part in Amotherby Young Farmers' Club's annual ploughing match which attracted a record number of 45 competitors.

Organiser Andrew Wilson said: "It was a great success with keen competition."

The event, held at Stephen Prest's Castle Farm, Slingsby, saw farmers and their staff taking part from a wide area. Among them was 70-year-old Harry Jackson whose 1942 Fordson tractor was the oldest competing, using a 60-year-old Ransome. Another Fordson owner was Tony Hope of Cold Kirby with his 1943 model.

Winners in the match were:

<bullet/> Reversible - 1 R Scaling, 2 R Arrand, 3 N Headley;

<bullet/> Conventional - 1 A Aconley, 2 L Aconley, 3 B Smith;

<bullet/> Vintage hydraulic - 1 C Grice, 2 C Paley, 3 I Berriman;

<bullet/> Vintage trailed - 1 R Alderson, 2 D Walden, 3 A Croft;

<bullet/> YFC class - 1 L Aconley, 2 R Scaling, 3 R Arrand;

<bullet/> Youngest ploughman - 1 B Smith, 2 J Hawkins.

The event was sponsored by 20 Ryedale companies. "We were very grateful for all their support" said Mr Wilson.

Over £ 300 was raised on the day for local charities.

Updated: 10:13 Thursday, February 07, 2002