More than 120 tractors took part in the annual run from Colyton on bank holiday Monday.

Midweek Herald: League of Friends volunteers shelter from the rain on Henry Selway’s tractor.League of Friends volunteers shelter from the rain on Henry Selway’s tractor. (Image: Archant)

The rally included agricultural vehicles of all shapes, ages and sizes.

The weather was damp and grey with intermittent rain, saving its worst for the moment the tractors started to stream out of the Colyton playing fields on to the main road to begin their journey.

The route to Hawkchurch was certainly not direct and crossed fields and rivers.

The Devon Freewheelers, who were on first aid duty throughout the day, just had to find the nearest lane to keep up with the tractors.

This year Seaton Friends’ Hospiscare@Home service was one of the beneficiaries, along with the Alzheimer’s Society.

Lycia Moore, manager of Seaton and District Hospital League of Friends, which runs the end-of-life nursing service, said: “I would like to thank everyone who braved the weather to encourage us along the route and made a donation towards two very worthy charities.

“I must also say a big thank-you to the organisers, as putting on an event of this scale takes a lot of time, energy and enthusiasm. They did such a splendid job again this year, coming up with yet another wonderful route.

“Also our thanks go to the many marshals and the ladies at Hawkchurch for putting on a splendid lunch. It was a truly wonderful day - and also thanks to Henry Selway, for letting Seaton and District Hospital League of Friends volunteers and myself ride in his trailer, which was complete with roof - keeping us dry all day!

“On the day, so many people mentioned friends or family at the end of life who had been cared for by the wonderful nurses.

“Nothing can compare with a friendly, competent and caring nurse when you are at your lowest ebb. Your support is so valuable and Seaton and District Hospital League of Friends, who totally fund this service, is so grateful for your generosity.”

The key aims of the Hospiscare@Home service are:

To provide expert nursing care to adults registered with a Beer, Colyton or Seaton GP who wish to remain at home at the end of life.

To provide access to end-of-life nursing expertise, advice and support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

To provide expertise, advice and support to carers and families of people with end-of-life care needs.