FOUR vintage tractors are being prepared for a 245 mile road trip from Devon to Hereford, writes LIZ WATKINS.

The journey will start on Easter Monday and take three days.

Behind the venture is Herefordshire businessman Mike Patrick, head of waste disposal firm M.S and E.M Patrick of Marlbrook.

Two years ago he underwent major heart surgery.

Life-saving skills

He says without it he would be dead, and would now like to give something back in return for the skills that saved his life.

The tractors, part of his collection will be at the National Vintage Tractor Road Run at the weekend and with three friends he plans to drive them back to Hereford to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.

Mike will drive a 1946 Fordson Major E27 with a Perkins P6 engine, Tom Mason will be on a 1955 Massey Ferguson T20, his son Ian also on a T20 with a Perkins P3 engine and Ken Williams will drive a 1958 Fordson super Dexta.

The back-up team will be Mike's 'right hand man' Mark Hoskins last year's chairman of the county's Young Farmers, and Nicky Burman a chairman of Allensmore YFC.

The tractors will stay together on the trip back to Hereford, each vehicle expected to use up six gallons of fuel.

The first day they will cover 70 miles and the party will stay at farm houses on the way.

Anyone who would like to sponsor the trip and support the BHF should ring Mike on 01568 613371 or 615942.