Wednesday 4th June will be an entertaining day at Wiltshire College Lackham with Students taking part in a charity tractor strip.

Students on the first year National Diploma in Land Based Technology have been challenged, with the help of Goodyear, to strip down, overhaul and refurbish a 1960 Massey Ferguson 35 for Diabetes UK and The Sue Ryder Hospice, Oxon.

Goodyear, part of the UK Farming Industry for 70 years, jumped at the chance to help these enterprising students and worthy causes by donating a set of tyres for the challenge. The Super Rib tyre, which gives maximum steering ability in soft soil service, will be fitted to the front of the tractor with the Sure Grip All Service, which offers performance both in field and on road, on to the back.

The 1960's tractor has been donated by David Keene of Henley on Thames giving students a demanding day by updating the tractor in a short time scale. "Without David, Goodyear, and The Vapormatic Parts Company, who are supplying the new parts, the event would not be possible. My thanks go to all involved" said Mike O'Sullivan, Lecturer at Wiltshire College.

The fully refurbished, Goodyear shod, Massey Ferguson 35 will be auctioned off at the Cheffins Classic Tractor Auction on the 26th July. Bill King of Cheffins has agreed to waive any fees allowing all proceeds to go to the two worth causes.

The challenging idea came from the students at the college who wanted to commemorate the loss of a close friend. Chris Hughes, a friend of many of the students and a student on the National Diploma in Agriculture, was sadly killed in a car accident earlier this year. Donations to Diabetes UK are in memory of Chris. Diabetes UK is the largest organisation in the UK working for people with diabetes, funding research, campaigning and helping people live with the condition. David Keene's nominated charity; The Sue Ryder Hospice provides compassionate care and support for people living with serious illnesses and conditions, as well as their families and loved ones.