Plough marathon draws crowds

A plough-a-thon involving 32 bygone tractors drew plenty of spectators to a North Walsham field on Sunday. The 12-hour plough was North Norfolk Vintage Tractor Club's first public event, and organisers hope it has raised between �1,500 and �2,000 for good causes.

Keith Robinson, club treasurer and secretary, said there had been a steady stream of visitors to the site, in Cromer Road, and estimated that about 2,000 people dropped in to watch during the day, from 6am.

Proceeds will be shared between Quidenham Children's Hospice and a charity connected with Dravet syndrome, a condition affecting children who experience severe seizures. Club member David Smith has a grandchild with the syndrome. Someone gave a cheque for �250 at the plough-a-thon asking for it to go to Quidenham, said Keith.

The club, formed 10 years ago, had about 70 members and had only held in-house ploughing events and road-runs in the past, but Sunday had gone so well that they hoped to organise a similar event next year, he added. The field for ploughing was provided by Nigel Rossi.

Raffle tickets are on sale until October 12.

Club meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month in Honing Village Hall at 7.30pm.

Call Keith on 01603 738205 to find out more.