THE Yelverton branch of Friends of Children's Hospice South West's late spring function, Ben's Day, raised an incredible £1,818 for the Precious Lives Appeal.

The Friends said they were extremely grateful to Margaret and Steve Horn who opened up the grounds at Coombe Fisheries to a myriad of visitors.

A spokesperson for the Friends said: 'We are so grateful to the many tractor drivers who made the occasion something very special.

'There was a tractor drive of 27 vintage vehicles around Burrator Reservoir to raise awareness of CHSW, while providing onlookers with a rarely seen spectacle.

'The tractors came from the South Hams, Lewdown and East Cornwall and were a marvellous sight.

'The tractors and a vintage threshing machine then provided a backdrop to the remainder of the day and elicited much interest from visitors.'

The CHSW Yelverton branch would like to pay tribute to the many helpers, established and some 'roped in' for the first time, who worked hard in preparation and during the event, which made it such a marvellous day.