n annual charity fundraiser ploughed up the record books for the second year running following the largest turnout of tractors yet.

A convoy of 130 tractors, including some dating back to the 1930s, chugged its way around country lanes near Larling after lining up for the 8th Boxing Day Vintage Tractor Road Run.

Classic Field Marshalls and John Deere tractors joined the procession yesterday, which was expected to raise more than �2,500 for the Star Throwers charity at Wymondham, which provides support and advice for people in East Anglia suffering from cancer.

Since the run was started eight years ago by farmers David Kidd and David Boggia as a fun Boxing day event, over �17,000 has been raised for a number of charities including Macmillan Cancer Support, the East Anglian Air Ambulance, the Multiple Sclerosis Society and Chapel Road special school at Attleborough.

Mr Boggia was surprised at how the event had grown from starting out as a friendly get-together organised by a group of friends, which attracted 45 tractors, to the current event which last year set a new record by attracting 120 tractors.

He joked: “I think for a lot of people it is an excuse on Boxing day to get away from the mother-in-law.”

Malcolm Stammers, who has a farm near Larling, brought along six tractors, including a 1948 Field Marshall, 1953 Little Ferguson and a 1973 Leyland.

He said: “People are getting more interested in vintage tractors, just like they used to with vintage cars, including the people here today.”

Sarah Lee, 38, from Quidenham, was visiting with her children Harry, one, Arthur, four months and husband Simon, 45 and said bringing the children helped ensure they became interested in tractors when they were older.

She added: “Because we are all from a farming community it just brings everyone together at such a great time of the year and helps to spread the message down through the generations.”

The convoy met at the Angel Inn at Larling before heading off on a route through Attleborough, Snetterton and Shropham.