YOUNG farmer Solomon Pegden is to lead scores of tractor drivers on a run around the Pewsey Vale to raise money for a charity close to his heart,

Solomon, 19, who works at Rowdefield Farm, Rowde, near Devizes expects about 60 tractors to take to the road on March 1 to raise money for Macmillan Nurses.

He said: “The Macmillan nurses do a wonderful job. A close relative was diagnosed with cancer and they helped her a lot and so I want to repay them.

“Most people know someone who has suffered from cancer.”

His target is to raise between £400 and £500.

He is hoping his friends from Young Farmers groups from across the county will join him on the tractor run which will cover about 22 miles and go through villages such as Woodborough and Etchilhampton.

He is expecting a large contingent from his own Devizes branch and those from Chippenham and Malmesbury.

The former pupil of St Augustine’s, Trowbridge, said:”A lot of friends from Young Farmers have said they they will turn up.

“I have organised a similar event for charity in the past and it was a lot of fun. I will be driving my John Deere tractor but I expect there will be a lot of different types taking part. Hopefully it will look quite spectacular.”

People will meet at the farm in Rowde owned by John Butler at 9.30am and will be given a bacon roll and hot drink to keep them going through the drive which starts at 10am. Extra rolls will be on sale at the end to boost fundraising. Entrance costs £15 to include the breakfast.

A spokesman for Macmillan Cancer said: “We want to help everyone with cancer live life as fully as they can. Donations helps us to do that. A donation of £20 per month for a year could pay for a Macmillan nurse for more than a day, helping people receive essential medical and emotional support.”

Contact Solomon on 07426023211.