FARMING’S past was brought back to the future when a fleet of classic tractors took to the roads of the Ribble Valley.

Around 20 vintage tractor enthusiasts started their engines yesterday morning and set off from Chipping on a 35-mile trip around the borough.

Now in its fourth year, the Chipping Tractor Road Run sees tractors from a 60-year period of British agriculture negotiate country lanes and raises cash for North West Air Ambulance in the process.

Organiser Stuart Marginson, 42, of Chipping, said the idea started amongst friends involved in May’s Chipping Steam Fair, who wanted to give their beloved tractors a good run out.

Mr Marginson, a beef and sheep farmer in the village, said: “We raise a bit of money for charity but have a good time as well.

“It’s just something of us enthusiasts wanted to do and it’s great day out for us”

Mr Marginson’s tractor is 1952 David Brown Cropmaster which he bought several years ago and forms part of his 20-plus classic tractor collection.

The tractor, which has no cab or roof, was one of a host of machines that grew in popularity in post war British farming as tractors firmly established themselves in place of the traditional shire horse.

Known as the “courting couples’ tractor” because of its twin seats, the Cropmaster generates just under 30 horsepower and was joined on the roads by other classic machines such as a Fordson Super Dexter, a 1969 Massey Ferguson 135 and a 1964 David Brown 880.

Setting off from Green Lane, Chipping, the tractors trundled their way through villages such as Waddington, Tosside, Grindleton, Slaidburn and even a three-and-a-half-mile off-road section along limestone tracks in Gisburn Forest.

Mr Marginson added: “The weather was a bit of a worry so I made sure I bought myself some new water proof clothes. It can be a bit of a problem when you have no cab!”