Even mechanical mishaps could not stop 30 lovingly restored vintage tractors complete a 30-mile rally – which raised more than £3,000 for charity.

Motorists and passers-by looked on in admiration and astonishment as the tractor convoy made its way from Stebbing to Little Easton and back again for charity last month.

Despite some inclement weather – and a few minor mechanical mishaps – all the tractors completed the 30-mile rally, which was staged in aid of Chelmsford’s Farleigh Hospice.

The chugging farm vehicles made for an eye-catching sight as they met up for the start of the rally at Dunmow Farm in Stebbing.

They then proceeded through Stebbing Park and out onto the public roads where they drove to Little Easton’s Stag pub via Bardfield Saling, Lindsell and Great Easton.

After a hearty lunch the tractors, no doubt buoyed up by some words of encouragement from their loving owners, then made the return journey to Dunmow Farm.

Stebbing resident Dick Hughes, who helped organise the rally, is hopeful he and his fellow tractor enthusiasts more than surpassed their £3,000 charity target.

He said: “We haven’t tallied up all the money yet but we’re confident we’ve beaten our target which is fantastic news.

“Everyone had a great time and other road users didn’t seem to mind waiting for us as we made our way down the lanes and by-ways. The weather wasn’t fantastic but we all made it round and had a great lunch at The Stag to keep us going.

“I’d like to thank Mark Lanyon from Dunmow Farm for kindly letting us use his land for the start and end of the rally. It was a great day out and a great time had by all.”