BLUE skies and autumn sunshine brought ploughmen out in droves to demonstrate their craft.
Two fields of stubble off Station Road in Goostrey were filled with the gentle phut-phutting of vintage tractors as more than 50 competitors showed off their skills ploughing furrows for the judges.
The ploughing match by Cheshire Vintage Tractor and Engine Club is a popular annual event eagerly watched by farmers and visitors with an interest in rural life at a more leisurely pace.
The competition on Jim Dakin’s fields on Sunday, September 3 was all the more welcome after an absence of four years because of Covid and its aftermath.
Vintage tractors and a static engine were also lined up in a display as an added attraction to inspect as the battle of the ploughs continued throughout the afternoon.
Organisers were delighted with the number of ploughmen competing from areas including Cheshire, Anglesey, Shropshire and Lancashire as well as a large contingent of spectators.
Peter Baldini, club chairman from Whitegate, said: "It really has been a very good turnout.
“The weather has helped and there has been a lot of support."
Keith Atkinson from Barton, Lancashire, has been ploughing since 1979 and is a regular competitor at Goostrey.
Keith said: "I love coming to Goostrey because I find it such a lovely place.
"Where I live is very nice but I could live in this village."
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