FARMING tractors will cover a 40 mile route raising money for charity.

The finest farming tractors will turn out on Sunday, May 7 for the Bluebell Run, the annual trip through the north Cotswolds.

Organised by Moreton Show in conjunction with the North Cotswold Tractor Club, this year’s run will cover a 42-mile route from Moreton in Marsh to Hazleton and back.

Richard Ward, chairman of Moreton Show Tractors Committee and Farm Manager at The Barton Farms Ltd, said: "Everyone and every type of tractor is welcome to join us on the Bluebell Run this year.

"It’s great to see the vintage machines but we want to see lots of tractors, whatever their age.

"It’s a wonderful way to spend a Sunday and the scenery this year will be spectacular on some of the Cotswolds’ loveliest and quietest roads."

The circular route takes in country lanes, fords, farms and estates and will keep to the west side of the Fosse Way. Top speed for these modern-day workhorses will never exceed 12mph and a mid-route stop is planned at Lower Hampen Farm.

From the Batsford Estate, the route will take in Cutsdean, Sudeley Hill, Brockhampton, Sevenhampton, Shipton Oliffe, Cold Aston, Lower Harford, Upper Slaughter and Condicote.

The Bluebell Run, sponsored by Norton Air, Cotswold Petroleum and Bearings Plus, starts with registration from 9.30am at Downs Farm, on the Batsford Estate, courtesy of David and Bruce Minett.

Taking part costs just £10 per tractor, payable on the day and money will be raised throughout the day for Cancer Research UK, at address www.justgiving.com/fundraising/BluebellTractorRun

The tractors take to the road at 10.30am.

All types, models and makes of tractor are invited to take part and participants can simply turn up on the day to register.

Vintage tractors will be joined by children’s favourite, Tractor Ted at Moreton Show on Saturday, September 2.