TRACTORS old and new will take to the roads in the North Cotswolds to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

The annual Bluebell Run on Sunday, May 12, organised by Moreton Show in conjunction with the North Cotswold Tractor Club, will include a convoy of 70 tractors covering a 28-mile route.

Tractors will assemble from 8am at Charlton Abbbots, between Winchcombe and Andoversford, and will move off at 10am towards Brockhampton, Sevenhampton and Syreford on its way to a lunch stop at Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park in Guiting Power.

The afternoon run takes in Guiting Wood, Hailes Abbey and the town of Winchcombe before heading back to Charlton Abbots.

The picturesque route includes farm tracks, estate roads, country lanes as well as a ford or two and the pace will barely rise above leisurely since the top speed of most of the tractors can not exceed 15mph.

The route avoids major roads.

The line-up will include all makes, models and vintages and there will be prizes awarded to a host of the best tractors on show.

Anyone who wants to take part should register in advance by contacting Moreton Show on 01608 651908 or drivers can register online at moretonshow.co.uk. Taking part costs £15 a tractor.

Steve Parkes, the organiser from Moreton Show, said: "The Bluebell Tractor Run is always one of the highlights of the year, when people can see these magnificent machines on the road and we can raise a lot of money for Cancer Research UK.

"We’ve always been blessed with beautiful weather and I hope that will continue. We’d love to see as many people as possible supporting us along the way."

Many of the tractors taking part in the Bluebell Run will also be part of the Vintage Tractor Parade at Moreton Show, which this year takes place on Saturday, September 7.