MORE than 20 vintage tractors took part in a fundraiser two-hour road run in memory of a much-missed tractor enthusiast and farmer.

Ahead of this year’s Tractor Fest at Newby Hall in June, 26 vintage tractors set off from Tates Garden Centre, Pateley Bridge Road in Ripon and returned two-hours later from a route that took them to Low Grantley.

The run was in memory of Brian Chester, who passed away in January.

He was a much-loved member of the Yorkshire Vintage Association, which organises Tractor Fest, and was also chairman of the West Yorkshire group of the National Vintage Tractor and Engine Club for 22 years.

The first “Brian Chester Road Run,” took place on Saturday (April 9) and a collection, together with a raffle, raised more than £700 for Brian’s charity the Sir Robert Ogden MacMillan Centre at Harrogate District Hospital.

The Northern Farmer: Brian Chester's widow Heather with their daughters Elizabeth and right, SamanthaBrian Chester's widow Heather with their daughters Elizabeth and right, Samantha

Prizes for the raffle were donated by various local businesses and Tates Garden Centre offered their facilities to host the event.

Kevin Watson, chair of Yorkshire Vintage Association, said Brian will be “much missed” when the show returns to “Newby Hall in June.”

He said: “We wanted to pay our respects and mark Brian’s role in making the show what it is today – the Brian Chester Road Run will be an annual event.”

Tractor Fest is the UK’s largest tractor festival and has been extended this year to three days in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

It’s set to take place at Newby Hall, North Yorkshire, over the bank holiday Jubilee weekend, when the UK will celebrate the Queen’s 70th anniversary as monarch.

The three-day event will showcase thousands of vintage tractors and modern marques, stationary engines, commercial vehicles, cars, lorries and motorcycles.