Saturday night saw 68 festively decorated tractors travel through Kirkby Stephen and beyond for a Christmas fundraiser.

The event was organised by the Pennine Young Farmers Club (YFC) and worked in tandem with the area's Christmas light switch-on.

It was the first tractor run organised by Pennine YFC and saw the vehicles start in Kirkby Stephen before journeying through Hartley, Winton, Brough, Beatarn, Warcop and Soulby before heading back to their original start point.

Hazel Stansfield, the organiser of the event, said: "The night was a roaring success as it was fantastic to see members of the public come out and watch the event.

"We are yet to get a total figure for the amount raised which will be split between Pennine YFC and the Kirkby Stephen light switch-on but we hope it is a decent amount so we can continue to make the light switch-on a night for all ages to remember!"

The Westmorland Gazette: The tractors getting ready for their festive journeyThe tractors getting ready for their festive journey (Image: Kelly Armer)

A thank you was sent to Alan Willis who donated rosettes, a trophy and monetary rewards for the three best decorated tractors.

First Place went to Luke Walton, earning him £100, second to Sarah & Jessica Ellwood earning them £50 and third place went to Raymond Tinkler, with a £25 prize.

"I've also got to thank Sandy Lancaster for all the help organising, Kirkby Stephen Auction Mart for providing the venue, Eden Farm Supplies Brough Ltd for the best spectator competition, and Julie Beagle for providing the food.

"The police and council gave great cooperation with the event and the Pennine Young Farmers tractor run committee ended up putting on a fantastic event."

Hazel added that the group are always on the look out for new recruits.

"If anyone is interested in joining Pennine YFC, we are open to anyone aged 10-28 and meet on Wednesday nights.

"You don’t have to be a farmer to be in young farmers - we have a varied program from flower arranging to farm walks, there is something for everyone!"

If interested, you can message the club chairman Chelsea Walton on 07535 174091.