A SQUAD of tractor drivers from the Keith area have successfully completed a 24-hour ploughing challenge, raising at least £10,000 for cancer charities.

Tractors ploughed through the night at Meikle Cantley, Grange, as Ian McDonald's fundraising event played out at the weekend.

The agricultural engineer enlisted a team of 24 drivers, who took two-hour stints as two tractors ploughed throughout the day on Saturday and through the night into Sunday.

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Ian, who drew the midnight to 2am stint, ran a similar event on the same date five years ago. This year, he organised a re-run in loving memory of his late mother Elizabeth McDonald, who died from cancer two years ago.

The total raised for Cancer Research UK and Keith Cancer Link is still to be finalised, but already £10,000 has come in.

"What a fantastic 24 hours," said Ian, who thanked everyone who contributed to the event's success, from the Stronach family for the use of the land to the scores of local business owners and individuals who donated items for a raffle.

Ian said: "To everyone who donated a raffle prize, thank you. Without your contribution we would not be looking at sales of raffle tickets amounting to £1100."

Teas and pieces, also supplied by local businesses, were offered up throughout the 24-hours by a willing group of hard-working supporters and many hands were needed to both set up for the challenge and clean up after the event.

Special thanks went to the drivers – Aidan, Bill, Craig, David, Davie Clarihew, Davie Milne, Davie Milton, Davie Myles, Dean, Fraser, Geordie, George L, George M, Jack, James, John, Michael, Paul, Peter, Phil, Sandy, Smurf, Stewart – without whom the challenge would not have been possible.

"These boys put their heart and soul into it, as the sponsor sheets come in the proof is there for all to see," said Ian.

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