Pictures of WillDoes Christmas tractor run around Dorset

The WillDoes Tractor Run saw almost 100 decorated tractors touring through villages as well as Dorchester, raising money to help the charity that promotes physical and mental well-being in young people.

The tractors were adorned with festive displays from Christmas lights, tinsel to one tractor pulling Father Christmas in his sleigh who was throwing chocolate and sweets to children as they drove past.

Now in its third year of making annual runs, the tractors made their way through the countryside on Sunday, December 10.

 Starting from Milborne St. Andrew around 4.30pm, the procession moved its way around the county to Bere Regis.  The parade then went through through Bovington, Wool, Winfrith and Broadmayne before reaching the Trumpet Major in Dorchester.

From then, the convoy went through the High Street, greeting the crowds by honking their horns.

Turning around at the Top O' Town Roundabout, the tractors made their way back down the High Street to West Stafford, Crossways, Affpuddle and Tolpuddle before coming back into Milborne St Andrew.

Crowds waited with anticipation as traffic halted and tractors arrived in the county town, making their way past St Peters' Church at the slightly later time of 6.55pm.

Trustee of the charity, Steph Buchanon, explained the reason for the delay whilst collecting change from the crowds as the tractors made their way through the town.

She said: “We’re a little bit late to start, but the front tractor is catching up with time so hopefully we’re not going to be too late.”

Speaking about this year’s turn out, she said: “We’re really pleased. Loads of amazing tractors, so much effort has gone into it by the young farmers and Bryony [the event organiser] has done an amazing job putting this event together and each year it’s getting bigger and bigger."

The charity was set up in memory of Dorset teenager William Paddy who sadly took his life on May 29, 2019, aged just 14.

His mother, Lesley Paddy, previously said: “Everything Will did he always wrote ‘Will does’ and that’s where the name came from. He was very active, outgoing and was loved by a lot of people. But it became apparent to me there were young people who didn’t have the opportunities he had.

“We set up the charity to get them out there and help them connect and engage socially through sports and other activities.”

Along with bucket collecting, the charity also asked those in the procession for a £10 donation to take part to raise money for the cause.