AN ARMY of tractors raised more than £6,000 for charity yesterday (March 22), after taking part in the first convoy through Hamsterley Forest.

About 80 tractors of all shapes and sizes got together for the event which raised funds for the spinal cord injuries unit at The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

The 20-mile drive was organised by John McLeod, 44, who was left a paraplegic after an accident 25 years.

It began at Hamsterley Working Men’s Club at about 9am before the convoy made its way to Cockfield, through the Raby Estate and then up to Woodland and the forest before returning to the club for entertainment.

Mr McLeod, of Witton Park, near Bishop Auckland, said he wanted to mark the anniversary of the accident with something positive and was really proud of everyone that took part.

“I think it just went perfectly,” he said. “I just want thank everyone that gave donations and who helped, as a rough estimate we have hit the £6,000 mark but there’s still some coming in.”

He added: “It was a brilliant day and I think we are going to do it again next year.”