IT WAS ploughs at the ready as an annual fundraising event returned to Kingston Maurward College.

The ploughing match attracted 54 entries from far and wide to battle it out to see who could produce the best furrows.

Simon Mills, one of the organisers, said the event has now been going for 28 years.

As well as showcasing a traditional skill, there was a prize draw at the match with proceeds being split between the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and the Kingston Maurward College charitable foundation, which helps develop the facilities at the college for the benefit of all students.

Ploughers braved the drizzle to take part on the day, but the weather soon brightened up.

Mr Mills said: “People come from all walks of life and many do it as a hobby. The youngest competitor was under 21 and there were several who are in their 70s.

“This year we had a reversible plough class just for the current students, which there was a lot of interest in.”

Competitors have to do a ‘double split’ first one way, then the other, before filling it in with what is known as a crown. They plough around that three times before the judges take a look.

There was a total of six judges, who decided the winners across several classes.

The judging is based on whether their furrows were straight and showed a good level of conformity.

Mr Mills thanked all the sponsors who helped make the event possible, as well as everyone else who has been involved in organising the annual event.

He added: “Our grateful thanks also go to the college for hosting this event and to all our many helpers who were there on the day for making it possible.

“I went to Kingston Maurward College myself many years ago and it’s a great thing to be a part of.”