A TRACTOR Fest is celebrating a record turnout as more than 10,000 people flocked to see a vast array of vintage machines at Newby Hall.

Some 1,650 vehicles took part in the annual event at the weekend, with highlights of the show including the March of the Tractors into Ripon Market Square on Saturday evening, as well as the official unveiling of the new North Yorkshire Police tractor

The event was supported by owners of vintage Ford and Fordson marques in celebration of Henry Ford, as well as showcasing vintage engines, commercial vehicles, cars and motorcycles from across the country.

One youngster, eight-year-old Emily Woodyatt of Carleton Primary School in Skipton, also won the honour to name the new police tractor as part of a region-wide schools competition.

Her suggestion of ‘Bobby’ has now been officially adopted by the force, and PC David Mackay of North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Taskforce was on-hand to present Emily with a scale model prize for her winning entry.

Richard Sturdy, chairman of the Yorkshire Vintage Association, who has overseen the growth of the show for the past 12-years and is retiring this year, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in Tractor Fest, from the stewards to exhibitors and visitors.

“We apologise for the queues at the event on Sunday and thank everyone who queued patiently to come and support us.”