Dozens of vintage tractors to roll through Sussex

Some 60 vintage tractors will make their way across the region in convoy on their way to France.

Members of the Chailey Classic and Vintage Tractor Club are setting off towards the Newhaven ferry terminal this evening.

Commercial vehicles more than 100 years old will be taking part in the rally to Gournay-en-Bray in Normandy for its Weekend of Yesteryear festival.

The adventure starts this evening with the tractors, lorries and trucks - some powered by steam - heading to the port for 8.30pm from all directions.

The club was founded in 2017 and wanted to make the most of the twinning between nearby Hailsham and Gournay-en-Bray, which also has a vintage vehicles club.

Chairman Howard Venters said: "They told us there was a little rally in the town some years ago, so we decided to go down with four machines."

In 2022, the French town held a bigger event and the club was invited once again.

"What the French don't have which we have is steam. We are blessed with steam traction engines in the UK," said Howard.

"We went across with 16 tractors to show them over there and when I made my presentation to the mayor of the town, I made a little joke.

"I looked at the map and said that I realise the distance from us to you is the same as the distance from you to us."

The French group of enthusiasts travelled across the Channel last June to the High Weald Steam Rally.

"They came across with 16 tractors, with Union Jacks and French flags flying," Howard said.

"It was good to see and they had a lovely time."

This year, 82 people of all ages aged between 17 and 83 will be taking part.

Howard said: "It's a social club that revolves around tractors."

People can watch the vehicles, which date as far back as the 1920s, arrive in Newhaven port before 8.30pm this evening.

Some highlights include a Thornycroft steam lorry, an old Austin car and an ERF breakdown lorry from the 1930s.

One lorry will even take a narrow-gauge railway with a small steam engine for the event.