COMPETITORS flocked to the annual Isle of Wight Ploughing Match to see who could create the perfect, straightest and neatest furrows.

The event was held at Manor Farm, Wellow, on Saturday, with classes for vintage ploughs and young competitors, tractor rides and displays, refreshments and trade stands.

Organiser Mike Morris said: "Today is a test of skill for all the people out there. We've been doing this since 1947 and we are hoping to keep it going.

"We've got youngsters out there, including my grandson, and they're enjoying it. They need a lot more practice to get there yet, but it's a test of skill and a test of making something out of nothing.

"We've had a very good turnout. There are actually four of these events on the Island every year, but this one is the main one."

Despite the howling wind, competitors diligently carved out lanes in the earth as marshals carefully inspected their efforts — before a firework hailed the end of the contest.

Competitor Ricky Attrill said: "It's been tough. Our end of the field has been rough, but it's gone better than I thought it would.

"We farmers live like a lot of hermits, and these sort of events bring the farming community together."

Another competitor, and former champion, John Stallard, said: "The conditions have been difficult because the ground has been a bit hard, but it's a lovely site and it's been a lovely day.

"I'd say for the farming community here these events do a lot of good, and there are even a lot of people here who have no connection to the farming community.

Proceeds from the event will go to the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution and Prostate Cancer UK.