Hundreds of tractors from around the UK received an Easter blessing during the National Vintage Tractor Road Run, which commenced in Ackworth last Sunday.
The annual event, which takes place every Easter Sunday at different venues, saw over 300 tractors convoy around the local villages. As a mark of respect a member of the local clergy, the Revd Shelagh Stacey, Incumbent at Carleton and East Hardwick, was invited, along with the Mayor of Wakefield, to give a blessing to the participating farmers before the start of the road run.
As the tractors began to leave the initial meeting place, the Revd Shelagh was placed high on a platform armed with holy water and a branch, which was used to spray the water over every tractor. 
Once the blessings were over, Revd Shelagh joined onlookers in the village of East Hardwick as the tractors, of all shapes and sizes, drove through in a convoy.
“It was a very emotional and moving experience to see tractors from all over England, Scotland and Wales with some real vintage machines and some more modern ones,” said the Revd Shelagh.
“It was like the history and geography of farming all in one field.
“I have been thinking about how events like this build bridges between people - we can go over to them, they can come over to us. It’s hard to quantify what happens when you do something like that, but the Lord is involved and it will go in its own way.
“It was great fun to be part of it. I’m so glad I took the opportunity when it was offered it.”
Being a part of the planning process enabled the Revd Shelagh to connect with people from the local farming community and to understand some of their concerns. Many farmers in the diocese face challenges, for example keeping their livestock safe and avoiding equipment being stolen.
For further images from the Easter Sunday National Tractor Road Run visit the website of St Stephen's Church in East Hardwick.