ALMOST 30 vintage tractors rolled into Great Ayton as part of a spectacular 550-mile cross-country run.

The annual Three Coast Charity Run – from Liverpool to Whitby and back – is the world’s longest annual vintage tractor road run.

It is organised by Dave Harrison , who was born and bred in Great Ayton but now farms near the banks of the River Mersey.

The 65-year-old first came up with the idea 20 years ago – and it has grown steadily ever since.

“The first year we did the run we had seven men and tractors and each year it’s grown,” he said.

“This year we’re up to twenty nine of us including two fathers and sons. We always take the minor roads from Cheshire and the best part of the trip is the camaraderie between the men.

“It’s great fun and when we get to Whitby we take the tractors down to the sea for a bit of a paddle.”

He added: “We’ve had some bad weather this year but we never let that dampen our spirits. Some of the men have been coming on this trip for the last 19 years.

“We always have some breakdowns – fuel blockages and clutch trouble, but we always manage to get the tractors fixed on the route.”

More than100 people turned out to welcome the tractors to the village, which raised more than £1,000 for the rally’s chosen charity Prostate Cancer UK.

Great Ayton Parish Council chairman Richard Hudson said: “It’s wonderful to see so many people here in the village to welcome the tractor run.”