A tractor that has been given police branding is set to take to the fields of Dorset and Dorset Police is calling on the public’s help in naming it.

The vehicle will be on the move at all major rural events this summer, including the Dorset County Show, the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show, the Melplash Show, Broadstone Family Fun Day and the Emergency Services Family Fun Day.

The tractor has been loaned to Dorset Police by tractor importer Kioti UK Ltd and dealers MJ Fry Agricultural Engineers, in order to help police encourage members of the public to report crime and engage with rural communities.

NFU Mutual has also agreed to insure the vehicle to enable it to support crime prevention activities in other areas of the country.

Police Constable Claire Dinsdale, of the rural crime team, said: “It is vital we explore every opportunity in encouraging members of the public to report rural crime. It is only with this intelligence we can target and disrupt those who operate in the countryside. We’re looking forward to seeing a bumper crop of your corny and amazing suggestions for our tractor."

Dorset Police’s rural crime team works proactively alongside colleagues, partners and volunteers to increase engagement with rural communities, target criminals who offend in our rural areas and provide bespoke crime prevention advice.

Police Constable Dinsdale added: "If you witness a suspected rural crime in action, call 999 immediately and ask for the police. For all other enquires call Dorset Police on 101 or contact us online.

"If anyone wishes to report information anonymously, please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Members of the public are encouraged to put forward name suggestions on the Dorset Police Facebook account or by emailing competitions@dorset.pnn.police.uk – with a winner being chosen by the Force’s rural crime team.