A FUNDRAISING tractor run has helped a community group near Wem move one step closer to taking on its much-loved village pub.

Friends of the Horse and Jockey in Northwood hosted a tractor run on Monday, May 8 in Charity Farm in Whixall to raise money that they hope will help reopen the pub. 

The pub was closed by its previous landlords last year due to rising costs.

There were between 50 and 60 tractors that took part in the run much to the delight of the Friends of the Horse and Jockey.

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Group member Louise Paton said: "I have never seen or been part of a tractor run before, but I am a definite convert.

"It was nice to see so many people having a nice time."

Louise thanked farm owners John and Jill Yates for hosting the event.

She added: "John does quite a lot with a tractor group. It was really kind of them to do a tractor run to raise money for the Horse and Jockey."

The money was raised on the day with those taking part paying an entry fee.

Louise said: "The people with the tractors paid money to enter and take part in the run.

"For that they received a bacon bap with tea or coffee.

"I think the route went through Bettisfield, Northwood, part of the Mosses and ended up at the Horseshoe in Tilstock.

"A raffle was held and it was jolly good fun."

Louise felt positive about the overall fundraising campaign for the much-loved pub.

She explained: "We launched our share offer. People who pledged initially are putting their money in and making good their promises which is really kind and heartening.

"We have received lots of new people enquiring about the share offer.

"We are pleased with how much we are raising.

"We know that when the moratorium we know that we will have a sum of money which we will be able to put down hopefully." 

Louise added: "It finishes at the end of May. I am quietly confident and we want to do the best we can for the community.

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"We have worked really hard to raise the money and secure funding. And we really hope we succeed.

"We all miss the pub and it would be great to have it open and raise a glass."