A LEDBURY farmer who ploughed his way to success in 2010 has churned up the heat on his rivals.

John Bennion wants to win back the seven trophies he won last year in ploughing competitions across the UK.

The 70-year-old had an amazing year, winning four titles in Herefordshire coupled with wins in Surrey and Warwickshire.

His triumphs included a win in the world-style class in Trumpet and the Surrey County Ploughing Match near Guildford.

Mr Bennion is proud of his glittering haul, but had to return the latter trophy this week ahead of this year’s competition.

His remaining trophies will follow over the coming weeks, but he is hoping for further success in the fields this autumn.

The retired farmer doesn’t have any land to practice on, but does have a collection of tractors and plenty of experience.

“I’m feeling confident otherwise I wouldn’t go,” said Mr Bennion, who is aiming for a place at the British National Championships in Somerset this October.

“It’s not beginners luck because I started ploughing in the 60s so I think it’s just a bit of dedication.

“It’s like riding a bike but it helps if you do a bit of engineering or fabrication, I think.”

Mr Bennion will make his first ground-breaking attempt on September 3 at the Pandy and Monnowside Annual Ploughing Match.

There’s competitions in St Weonards and Leominster coming soon while he may defend his Surrey title on September 25.