IN PICTURES: Knaresborough Young Farmers' tractor run tribute

Knaresborough Young Farmers led the district in a moving tribute to one of their longest serving members on Sunday.
Young tractor enthusiat Harry Milner (3)( 1703121AM8)Young tractor enthusiat Harry Milner (3)( 1703121AM8)
Young tractor enthusiat Harry Milner (3)( 1703121AM8)

Over 150 tractors took part in a special 30-mile tractor run in memory of Mike Spink, 24, who died in an accident whilst working in New Zealand in January.

Over £7,500 was raised for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, and hundreds lined the streets for the event, which Mike had fondly nurtured as an annual tradition for the young farmers.

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The tractors set off from the Marquis Of Granby pub and touched as many towns and villages with their tribute as possible, including Markington, Burton Leonard and Pateley Bridge.

Young tractor enthusiat Harry Milner (3)( 1703121AM8)Young tractor enthusiat Harry Milner (3)( 1703121AM8)
Young tractor enthusiat Harry Milner (3)( 1703121AM8)

Chairman of Knaresborough Young Farmers, Steven Brown, said: “It was an amazing event, it was absolutely incredible to see how many people came down from all over the country. People came together all for the same cause.

“When we went down Pateley Bridge High Street, we all had a tear in our eye, thinking that all these people are here for Mike. For me it captures what young farmers is all about, we are all one big community that looks after their own.

“Mike’s family were completely speechless, just overwhelmed at how many people had turned out. They couldn’t say thank you enough. People were stopping in the streets and just looking at the number of tractors taking part in total amazement.

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“I don’t think there is any other movement out there like Young Farmers, especially a youth movement.

Young tractor enthusiat Harry Milner (3)( 1703121AM8)Young tractor enthusiat Harry Milner (3)( 1703121AM8)
Young tractor enthusiat Harry Milner (3)( 1703121AM8)

“I think Mike would have been proud of the success it was. He was very passionate about the work of Yorkshire Air Ambulance and would be very happy that the money is going to them.

“It’s been great seeing all of the messages of support from people saying how special the run was.”

Christine Morphet, Steven’s sister, and a former member of Nidderdale Young Farmers, said: “I was very emotional myself on the day, so many people turned out to remember Mike. Even if you hadn’t met Mike, it felt like you knew him, that you were a part of it.

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“I think it showed what young farmers and the farming community is like, it’s about everybody pulling together. If anyone needs a helping hand or support, we look after each other. The tractor run was a really special sight.

“Even for people who hadn’t heard what was happening, they knew it was something special just by looking at it. I think everyone should be very proud of themselves for making the tractor run a success, it was so well organised and everyone involved really enjoyed it.”

To add to the fundraising total, email [email protected].