A CHRISTMAS parade of tractors took place in aid of a special needs school.

More than 80 farming vehicles came out in the rain and sparkled their way through Ulverston on Sunday to raise funds for Sandside Lodge School.  

The Christmas Parade, which was supported by the Young Farmers community, raised over £2,000 which will go towards the school's fundraising appeal to develop a lodge into a working cafe for their students to gain work experience.

The tractors were decorated for the festive season with Christmas lights and people were dressed up as snowmen, Santa and Grinch.

Helen Grice, headteacher of Sandside Lodge School, said the parade was amazing and the vehicles brightened up the foggy night.

"Lots of people from the community came out to support us, which is always lovely," said the headteacher.

"It was so humbling seeing many people taking part but also the community welcoming such an event and donating as generously as they have.

"I think somebody said that it took 40 minutes for them to see all of the vehicles going past. It was a fantastic turnout and a Christmas celebration that started the festive season a bit early.

"A huge thanks to Andrew Woods and the Cumbria Young Farmers Association for all their organisation, creativity and support."

There was also a price for the Best Dressed Vehicle which was given to owners of The Milk Hunt, a 24-hour vending machine selling fresh milk in Ulverston.

This was the school's second time doing a tractor run, with this edition offering a bigger scale event to the crowd with double the amount of vehicles.

Ms Grice added: "It went so well last year that we decided to do it again, and Andrew is talking about doing another one next year, which we are already quite excited about."