Two tractor enthusiasts have embarked on a 5,000-mile journey across the UK to raise funds for charity.
The duo are both members of the Blue Force Tractor Club, which celebrates Fordson, Ford and New Holland machinery.
Club chairman Phil Gibson and club treasurer Peter Plehov set off from New Holland’s Basildon factory on Thursday with two new T6 tractors supplied by the manufacturer.
The challenge coincides with the Blue Force Tractor Club celebrating 100 years of blue tractor production in 2017.
The duo’s 51-day journey, which is being called the Coastline Tractor Challenge, has not previously been attempted on tractors.
They will drive a route around the cost of mainland UK and Ireland stopping at several points along the way including Oban, Sutherland, Caithness, Inverness, Elgin and Aberdeen.
The pair will end their journey at the Tractor Fest event, which takes place in Ripon, North Yorkshire, on June 10-11.
Each of the two tractors – one is a T6.145 model and the other is the T6.180 model – is being driven while towing a shepherd’s hut. Built by the duo, one is being used for sleeping accommodation and the other is carrying fuel, oil and supplies.
New Holland’s business director, Andrew Watson, said: “We have always had a close relationship with the Blue Force Club so we were delighted to assist Peter and Phil when we heard about their challenge. We look forward to following their progress and wish them luck on their journey.”
Phil Gibson said: “I have been overwhelmed by the tremendous support from New Holland, without them we would not be doing any of this.”
The trip has been almost entirely funded by donations from club members and sponsorship.
One supporter has been New Holland dealer Robertsons of Orkney, which is funding the pair’s ferry crossings to the Orkney islands.
As well as celebrating the 100 years of blue tractor production, Mr Gibson and Mr Plehov are carrying out the challenge to raise funds for two charities.
They are the Steps Conducive Education Centre in Loughborough and Cancer Research UK.
They aim to raise £25,000 by the end of the year.
