Far, far more welcome than Storm Darragh, with its associated wind and rain, was the cavalcade of twinkling tractors that passed through the village late on Saturday afternoon.

Despite the somewhat inclement weather conditions, cheerfully waving drivers and their passengers brought their festively decorated vehicles, of all vintages, into the village, down Knaresborough Road, turning into St. John's and heading out along Boroughbridge Road, their arrival loudly proclaimed from the klaxon on the lorry leading the run. They seemed to be welcoming Christmas to the village, it was a pleasure to see them and their visit was much appreciated. There was a smattering of spectators dotted along the route who waved the parade on its way with the biggest shout of approval deservedly given to those drivers whose veteran tractors had no cabs.

The event was organised by the Ripon Tinsel Tractor Group, vintage tractor enthusiasts, a sub-committee of the West Yorkshire Group of the National Vintage Track and Engine Club. The run is supported and facilitated by Ripon garden centre, F. Tate & Sons, from where the tractors departed.

This is the second year that the run has been organised, all in aid of charity. All tractors pay a fee to enter and volunteers rattle buckets along the way for donations. As last year, all proceeds will go to Yorkshire Cancer Research-last year's run realised £1640. This year the aim was £2000.

The 21 mile route ended in a celebratory double sweep of the Market Square in Ripon, where the tractors then parked up.

If you were unable to make a donation as the run came through the village,Tom at Tates Garden Centre will gratefully receive any contribution you might wish to make. By Tuesday if possible please.

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