Tractor fans flock to Shropshire event
[gallery] Tractor enthusiasts flocked to a Shropshire beauty spot for a special event which demonstrated the machines' remarkable pulling power.
Competitors from all over the county turned out for this year's Malpas Tractor Pullers Club event at Dearnford Lake, on the outskirts of Whitchurch, on Saturday and Sunday.
Track
Some machines, including diesels, were on their first outing of the year at the event, where visitors could see machines pulling a special weight transferring sledge as far as possible along a 100-metre track.
As well as championship classes for the 2000-horsepower tractors, there was also a class for garden tractors, organised by the Whitchurch Young Farmers' Club. Onky Ankers, one of the organisers, said the weekend's dry weather led to a warm weekend's pulling.
Classes in the tractor pull included super farm, under 401 pro stock, modified, 4x4s and Land Rovers.
There were also a number of stalls and other activities to keep guests amused throughout the day.
Whitchurch Cadets brought with them an archery stand, paintball range and recruitment stand, with a bouncy castle, trade stands and stalls from other local businesses also on site.
The pull started at noon on the first day, with a night pull going on until 9pm.
On the second day the pull began at 10.30am and finished at 5pm.
Tractor pulling started in the USA when neighbouring farmers argued about which had the most powerful tractor.
These debates were finally decided by contest in the farmyard, chaining the tractors to a large weight, and seeing which tractor could pull it the furthest.
The next tractor pulling event organised by UK Tractor Pulling is due to take place in Shrewsbury in May.
The event will take place at the West Mid Showground in Berwick Road on May 24 and 25.
* For more information visit the UK Tractor Pulling website at www.uktractorpulling.co.uk or e-mail admin@uktractorpulling.co.uk
