Shropshire Star

16 photos of Oswestry Illuminated Tractor Run lighting up North Shropshire

The agricultural community in Oswestry joined together to remember a young farmer with a spectacular illuminated tractor run.

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About 90 tractors and other vehicles, all lit up with Christmas lights for a 35 mile tour of surrounding villages.

Hundreds lined the route, braving the rain to see the rolling parade which took over two hours to make its way along the country roads.

It was organised by Whittington and Oswestry Young Farmers Club in memory of Will "Choc" Roberts, a 26 year old, popular young farmer from Pennant Farm, Gobowen, who died of a brain tumour in December last year.

The tractor run is raising money for the Lingen Davies Cancer Fund.

His parents Dave and Sue Roberts saw the run set off from Oswestry's Livestock Market, waved off by North Shropshire MP, Helen Morgan.

Charles Dean, Whittington and Oswestry Young Farmers President said, “We hope this becomes an annual event and that it becomes known locally as “Choc’s” Tractor Run to keep his name alive in the farming community and, at the same time, raise money for this much needed cancer charity.”

A tracker was fitted to the lead tractor to allow those in villages and towns from Ruyton-XI-Towns to Baschurch, Cockshutt and Ellesmere, St Martins, Gobowen and Morda to see when to stand on the pavements and see the run.

Spectators, thanked with air horns, music and waves from the drivers and passengers on the tractors and agricultural vehicles took to social media with their photos and videos and thanked the organisers.

Among those taking part on the run was Simon Baynes, selected to stand as Tory candidate for North Shropshire in the next election. He was in the tractor driven by Powys councillor Peter Lewis and said it was a fantastic evening.

A just giving fund, set up to raise money for Lingen Davies in memory of Will Roberts has currently raised £3,500, double the initial target.

Anyone who wants to contribute can do so online at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/will-jackson-1.

Some bright tractors line up, ready to go.
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.
As you would expect, Father Christmas made an appearance.
Some of the Christmas displays were quite elaborate.
Helen Morgan MP attended the event.
The event is in memory of Will "Choc" Roberts, a popular young farmer from Pennant Farm, Gobowen, who died of a brain tumour in December last year.
Sarina Stringer, hot drink in hand.
A particularly bright farming vehicle.
This one is called John Reindeere... probably.
And they're off.
Across the cattle grid.
What a sight it was on Shropshire's roads.
It's amazing how festive tractors can be made to look.
Is that an England flag?
In memory of Choc.
Merry Christmas!