A VINTAGE tractor rally has raised thousands of pounds for charity.

The National Vintage Tractor Run came to the roads of County Durham in April, with more than 350 vehicles taking part in a 25-mile route which started and ended at Ushaw College, near Durham City.

The event, and other fundraising activities staged by organiser Brian Watson, raised nearly £15,000 for the Multiple Sclerosis Society and Epilepsy Action.

Mr Watson, whose 23-year-old son Bryan died after an epileptic fit 12 years ago, presented to the charities during a ceremony held at Ushaw College on Saturday, October 31.

He said: "The tractor run went really well. We’ve done some other events - I swam a mile, we’ve had raffles and a barbecue - and raised about £14,500."