Farmers complete epic tractor ride around Britain

Dale Baxter/BBC A group of farmers in front of the tractor the used to drive around the British coastlineDale Baxter/BBC
The group travelled 4,690 miles in a tractor to raise awareness of mental health issues facing farmers

Farmers have arrived back in Lincolnshire after driving a tractor around the British coastline to raise awareness of mental health issues in their industry.

The group, driving a JCB Fastrac, left Cleethorpes on Monday 10 June and completed their 4,690-mile (7,547km) trip at the Lincolnshire Show.

Taron Lee organised the trip with his friend James Caswell. Mr Lee lost his father in 2022 and Mr Caswell suggested the trip as a way of shifting his focus on to something positive.

"It's a good way of promoting the industry and the struggles farmers are having because of things like rising costs and isolation," Mr Lee said.

Dale Baxter/BBC Taron LeeDale Baxter/BBC
Taron Lee said the group came up with the idea of a coastal tractor run after the death of his father in 2022

He had struggled with his mental health following his father's death and the project "gave me a positive to focus on".

"It's about getting people talking," Mr Lee added.

"I'm overwhelmed with the support we've had. People have been really generous with their sponsorship.

"Thankfully the weather has been kind to us going around the coast."

During their nine-day trip, the farmers used around £2,500 in fuel. The funds raised will be donated to the Farm Safety Foundation.

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