THERE was a record turnout for the annual New Year's Day vintage tractor road run from Poldark Mine, Wendron.

Some 50 tractors, many sporting festive decorations, assembled at the mine in bright sunshine before setting off on a 16-mile circular route through local lanes.

Drivers came from across west Cornwall, with one participant travelling all the way from Devon to take part in the event.

The first stop was at Carnmenellis, where BBC Radio Cornwall presenter Janette Eathorne provided mulled wine and mince pies. The tractors then made their way, via Stithians reservoir, to Shirley and Tony Hains' farm for a snack lunch.

The convoy returned to Poldark Mine at around 2.30pm, when soup and hot drinks were provided by Margaret Laurence and her band of willing helpers.

A prize for the best decorated tractor was once again won by Garfield Dungey.

One of the organisers of the run, Phil Moore-Hemsley, from Helston, said the event had been staged for the past eight years and 2004 had been "the best turnout by far".

An auction and raffle held in conjunction with the run raised £172, which will be donated to Helston Lions Club.