AGRICULTURAL students from Wiltshire College are taking a well-deserved rest after taking part in a 24-hour ploughing marathon to raise money for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance Airbase Appeal and Meningitis Now.

Twenty Level 3 students studying farm mechanisation and land-based studies worked around the clock on Wednesday to plough hundreds of acres of land during the annual event and have since raised more than £200.

Matthew Sparshott, deputy head for agricultural engineering and countryside management, said: “The nature of the task requires the students to be vigilant with health and safety and I am extremely proud of the effort that the students put in and dedication to complete the task. In 24 hours they were able to plough 60 hectares, which is a wonderful achievement, where they demonstrated very good team work.”

First year farm mechanisation student Ethan Kosma, who helped organise the event, said it felt like a long 24 hours but was glad he took part. He said: "It has been a very enjoyable event, where we all worked together as a team. We were able to plough the land ahead of schedule and with very minimal breaks throughout the day.

"We would like to say a huge thank you to those who donated some amazing equipment to us and to those who have donated. We would also like to give a special thanks to our tutors for all their support."

Wiltshire Air Ambulance were also invited to the two lambing weekends last month, where thousands of people flocked to see hundreds of ewes give birth at the start of spring.

Cas Loudon, donor relationship co-ordinator at Wiltshire Air Ambulance, said: “We are extremely grateful to Lackham College for inviting us to the two lambing weekends and to the students, who have been busy fundraising for our Airbase Appeal. The lambing weekends were great days out for the family with lots to see and do from visiting the newborn lambs, watching the milking of the dairy cows to enjoying a tractor and trailer ride between the farms.

“The students have also been amazing by taking part in a 24-hour ploughing marathon. Their dedication and enthusiasm has been phenomenal and their support second to none."

Donations to the Lackham ploughing team are still being accepted via www.mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/lackhamploughing2017.