The Nidderdale Charity Tinsel Tractor Run, which took place around Ripon last weekend, raised more than £1,500 for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

17 tinsel-covered tractors departed from F Tate & Sons Garden Centre.

In sub-zero degree temperatures, drivers followed a 21-mile route which passed through Bishop Monkton, Roecliffe, Boroughbridge and Skelton-on-Ure before returning to Ripon Market Place at around 6pm.

Simon Dickinson, who founded the tractor run, said he “couldn’t have wished for it to go any better”, adding:

Entry cost £15 per tractor and donations were collected at different points along the route, including Morrisons in Ripon and Boroughbridge.

Caffè Nero, in Ripon, also stayed open late to serve the drivers free hot drinks upon their return.



Mr Dickinson, who is from Ripon but now lives in Northallerton, founded the Nidderdale Charity Tractor Run last year.

It attracted more than 55 vehicles and raised more than £2,000 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance service in June this year.

Mr Dickinson, who is a member of the West Yorkshire Vintage Tractor & Engine Club, told the Stray Ferret he chose to raise money for Yorkshire Cancer Research this time after his brother-in-law had bladder cancer.

Mr Dickinson said the event was a great success and he will “definitely do it again” next year.

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