PLOUGHING enthusiasts from across the country converged on Herefordshire, which had the privilege of hosting the British National Ploughing Championships, at the weekend.
More than 250 ploughmen showed their skills on more than 200 acres of Llanwarne farmland, loaned by Mrs I E Williams and family.
A big crowd attended the event demonstrating the popularity of the national championship which attracted entrants from all over the country.
The popularity of the national championships is increasing year on year – it is traditionally held in a different part of the country and this is the first time the event has been held in Herefordshire since taking place at the Garnons Estate in 1986.
Reversible champion was Peter Alderslade from Tyne and Wear, while John Hill from Barnsley was named as the conventional champion.
Both ploughmen will now represent their country at the 2014 World Ploughing Contest, to be held in France.
"It went very well despite the weather. Saturday was a very good day,"said Sue Frith, secretary of the Society of Ploughmen.
"It was one of the best first days for quite a few years, probably ever.
"On Sunday it rained. Usually we get two thirds of our gate on the second day but I think it was probably the opposite way around this time.
"The ploughmen were very happy if not a little wet and bedraggled. They thought it was an excellent site."
The event featured various styles of ploughing – modern tractors pulling conventional and reversible ploughs, five classes with
vintage tractors pulling trailing, hydraulic and classic ploughs, and horsedrawn ploughs.
Visitors also saw giant steam ploughing engines dating from the late 19th century and displays of vintage tractors and machinery.
Spectators also watched 13 pairs of heavy horses at work. Modern machinery was there too so children had the opportunity to compare the past and present.