Tons of tractors take part in Pendleside charity run

Held in memory of popular Sabden Fold farmer Andrew Nutter (39) who died of cancer in 2009, the seventh edition of the run proved to be the most spectacular yet as 175 tractors of all vintages, shapes and sizes took part.

The event also helped to raise £6,500 for the Chemotherapy Unit at Royal Blackburn Hospital and Rosemere Cancer Foundation.

The event started at approximately 4-30pm from Sabden Fold and crowds lined the route as the huge convoy trundled through Higham, Fence, Barrowford, Blacko, Roughlee, Barley, Newchurch and back to Sabden Fold.

The run even had live updates via Facebook this year to keep people young and old in the loop on the procession’s progress.

Once back at Sabden Old Hall Farm, drivers received a commemorative mug, sponsored by Barrowford model company Transport of Yesteryear. The run itself was supported by Craggs Energy of Padiham.

In its previous six years, the run has raised £19,000 for charity, and organisers Laura Standring, Andrew’s sister, and Phil Sanderson, Andrew’s best friend, hailed it a success once again.

Phil said: “It’s the best ever. We had more tractors and more people turn out because it was a nice day.

“I think the Burnley match finishing early helped and Ben, from Craggs Energy, doing updates on Facebook probably had an input too.

“People were out in their gardens waiting for us. It was brilliant.

“Andrew would have been in his element. He loved stuff like this. We’ve raised £25,000 for charity now in seven years which is tremendous.

“I’d just like to thank all those who took part, donated or spectated for making it an unbelievable day.”