BOLTON’S annual ploughing competition is set to take place this Sunday.

Competitors are expected to travel from far and wide to plough all their efforts into winning the top prizes on offer.

The annual Haigh, Aspull and Blackrod Ploughing Competition will take place on land off the A6 in Westhoughton, opposite the Brinsop Country Inn and is the sixth event to be held in the borough after Blackrod town councillor and ex-farmer, Graham Farrington, revived the contest following a 50 year break.

Prior to the hiatus, there were regular ploughing events held in Blackrod until the 1920s — with Cllr Farrington’s father taking part.

On Sunday, competitors will be able to enter a variety of classes including categories for young farmers and classic ploughs.

There will be a special cup and a small amount of prize money awarded to the winner of each category.

The event will begin at 10am and prizes, including one for the overall champion, are expected to be given out at about 2.30pm.

Local firms have sponsored individual classes and have paid for trophies for the winners.

All the proceeds made on the day will be donated to the Bolton Mountain Rescue Team charity.

Cllr Farrington said: “Ploughing is a very skilled job, it may look easy to the layman, but it really does take some skill and that will be on show on Sunday.

“Many people take a great interest in the vintage machinery that was used by farmers in the past and it is good to remember those machines and to see how the industry has changed.”

“We are hoping for some sunshine and I am really looking forward to the event.”