YOUNG farmers used pulling power to show their support for key workers.

Thirty tractors headed through Gosforth to coincide with Thursday’s Clap For Carers - organised by Drigg Young Farmers.

The farmers, young and old, were given a great reception by appreciative villagers. Club secretary Charlotte Nichol said: “Drigg YFC wanted to show support to all our key workers and the local farming community. We wanted to keep it agricultural and so chose to do a tractor run.”

They headed through the village to rapturous applause and lots of waving.

“The response was overwhelming. We were delighted to see so much community support and it definitely raised people’s spirits,” said Charlotte.

“I am very proud of the club and what it achieved. I’d like to say a massive thank you to those who have donated to our Just Giving page which is raising money for the West Cumberland Hospital.”

The tractors were driven by club members past and present.

“It was a real showcase from the local farmers and some tractors were decorated to show individual support for key workers. It was a really great effort by all,” said Charlotte, who rode in the final tractor with her brother, John, who is club chairman.

"While many industries have had to be shut down while lockdown is in place, that is not the case with farming.

“Farmers are going through one of the busiest times of year with lambing and calving but restrictions has meant that we have had to change the way we do things. The most important thing during this time is to support local farmers and local shops,” said Charlotte.

Photographer Oliver Hodgson was in Gosforth to capture the tractor run. “It was really magical, they seemed to bring a smile to everyone’s faces,” he said.

“It was touching and got the message across about supporting the NHS and key workers.

“Within Gosforth the farming world is all around, so it was really nice to celebrate it. They all work so hard to supply our food chain.”

A spokesman for Cumbria Federation of Young Farmers Clubs said those taking part checked with the police first that it was ok to go ahead with it.

Drigg Young Farmers, when not in lockdown, meet at Gosforth Methodists Hall on Tuesdays at 7.30pm.

Drigg’s Chairman is John Nichol and Charlotte Nichol is the club Secretary – John and Charlotte are brother and sister. Drigg currently have 48 members.

To donate, go to: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/appreciationtour