FARMERS from across the country gathered in Rixton this week to show off their ploughing skills.

Vintage tractors, modern tractors and working horses all turned up at Moss Side Farm last Wednesday to take part in an annual competition.

There were a number of different categories for the competitors, who were all attempting to see who could plough the straightest furrow, as well as demonstrating the uses of various equipment and accessories.

Top of the field was the class five winner, Trevor Lloyd, from Manchester, who was also crowned overall champion of the field.

A Warrington resident also came out on top in the winner's board. Ernest Dutton finished third in the classic tractor's class and also got best work by a Cheshire competitor with a ford tractor.

The event was organised by the Makerfield ploughing society, which was founded in 1857.

Its chairman, George Halsall, said: "There is nowhere better to gain a fascinating insight into both the historic and modern day art of cultivating land. The day itself went well."

The event was free and raised funds for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution and the Wigan and Leigh Hospice.