SCORES of farming fans turned out for Bolton’s annual ploughing championships.

Thirty competitors took to the furrows for the contest, which is organised each year by Blackrod town councillor and former farmer Graham Farrington.

This is the sixth event he has organised since bringing the event back following a 50-year hiatus.

There used to be regular ploughing contests held in Blackrod until the 1920s, in which Cllr Farrington’s father competed.

Yesterday it was the turn of the new generation, with Cllr Farrington’s son and grandsons competing.

The different categories on show included young farmer, vintage hydraulic plough and classic plough.

Cllr Farrington said: “The weather couldn’t have been better. It was ideal and the whole event went really well.

“There were a lot of keen ploughmen showing off their skills.

“My dad was a farmer and he taught me how to plough and I have passed that on to my son and grandsons who took part.”

Cllr Farrington’s grandson Callum, aged 18, who won top prize in both the juniors and young farmers categories said: “I have been ploughing since I was 13 and Graham has passed the skills down.

"It is important in our family. I really enjoyed competing — it was a great day.”

Other winners were: Trailer plough class – Henry Taylor (Clitheroe); Novice class – Darren Kirkham (Blackrod); Best local ploughman — Darren Kirkham (Blackrod); Ferguson class — Austin Carroll (St Helens); Classic plough —Peter Higginson (Pilling); Juniors – Callum Farrington; Young farmer — Callum Farrington; Overall champion — Ian Thompson (Garstang).