Wiltshire College students plough 200 acres to raise cash for air ambulance

Farm mechanisation students at Wiltshire College Lackham have successfully completed a 200-acre ploughing marathon within 24 hours.The event was the 15th annual ploughing marathon held by the college, with students choosing to run the event to raise money for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

The students from the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Farm Mechanisation worked in shifts through the day and night to get the job done.Lecturer John Dixon said: "Despite the very dry conditions we are covered 200 acres, which was over 12 different fields. The students have been great and very sensible. They’ve had to deal with any problems and make decisions quickly and independently. They worked with commercial equipment in a real-life environment, which gave them great experience."

Student Robert Purton, 17, said: "It was really hard work but a good laugh as well. We used equipment that not many students in colleges will have access to.I ploughed three hours on the morning and three hours again in the afternoon. I was happy to do as much as I could as it’s for a good cause."

The marathon was a great opportunity for students to raise money for local good causes. This year they are hoping to raise a minimum of £1,000 for Wiltshire Air Ambulance.