Two injured in Dorset charity tractor run crash

Two people have been taken to hospital following a crash during a charity Christmas tractor run.

A tractor and a BMW car were severely damaged in the collision on the Old Sherborne Road near Cerne Abbas at 18:30 GMT on Sunday.

The road was closed for four-and-a-half hours for vehicle recovery and for the road surface to be repaired.

Dorset Police said the two people involved in the crash were not believed to be seriously injured.

The annual tractor run is held in aid of the WillDoes charity, which aims to improve the wellbeing of young people through sports and other social activities.

It was set up in memory of Swanage teenager William Paddy, who died in 2019.

More than 50 tractors decorated with lights and festive decorations travelled in the convoy from Redlynch Farm in Bere Regis to Dorchester and through the surrounding villages.

Hundreds of people braved freezing temperatures to watch the parade, while volunteers collected donations.

Charity founder and William's mother, Lesley Paddy, said: "This is one of my favourite events to see, so many young people gathering, seeing them all so engaged and putting in so much effort with the beautifully-lit tractors."

The convoy had been heading towards Dorchester when the crash happened. The tractors at the front of the queue were able to continue their journey.

Ms Paddy added: "We are so glad that nobody was hurt but both the car and the tractor were badly damaged."

Follow BBC South on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].