Students in a 24-hour plough for charity

Eighty-five students ploughed an area of approximately 85 acres during a 24-hour ‘plough-a-thon’ which started on Tuesday and continued overnight into Wednesday.

The first and second year participants are aiming to raise a total of £1,000 from their endeavours in aid of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI), the national farming charity which will use the donation towards a hardship fund and projects to help young people launch careers in farming.

A ‘welly disco’ is planned for later in the term to top up the fundraising kitty.

Helen Martin, the college’s agriculture course manager, said: “The event was good fun and a big success. The plough-a-thon gives the first year students a great chance to get to know each other in the first few weeks of term as well as giving the second year students a chance to pass on their knowledge and experience.

“It allowed students who’d never operated a tractor so large to get hands on practical experience in a real working environment. Plus, we’re raising money for a good cause and increasing awareness of poverty and hardship in farming. Thanks to all the students who took part and all who helped us organise the event, especially Farmstar in Market Weighton for the loan of a brand new tractor.”

Sally Conner, regional manager for the RABI, said: “The RABI fund is for farmers, farm workers and their families who are encountering financial hardship through no fault of their own.

“Bishop Burton Coll-ege continues to be a great supporter of RABI and I’d like to thank all who took part for their contribution to the fund. It will make a real difference to farmers in East Yorkshire.”