TWO Basildon tractors have completed a 5,000 mile, 51-day challenge around the coastline of the UK.

The challenge marks the100 years of blue tractor production.

The challenge started from New Holland’s Basildon factory on April 13 in two new T6 tractors supplied by the manufacturer.

They returned to the factory on Friday, have completed their trip for two charities in a challenge devised by club Blue Force.

Blue Force members have a passion for preserving and running vintage and modern Fordson, Ford and New Holland marque tractors. Phil Gibson, chairman of Blue Force, and Peter Plehov, club treasurer, have driven a route around the coast of mainland UK and Ireland, stopping at several points on route including Bournemouth, Galway and Edinburgh.

Each tractor has towed a shepherd’s hut, built by Phil and Peter.

One hut was for sleeping accommodation and the other for fuel, oil and supplies.

Andrew Watson, business director at New Holland UK and Ireland, said: “We have always had a close relationship with the Blue Force Club so we were delighted to assist Peter and Phil when we heard about their challenge.

“We have been following their progress and were excited to welcome them back to the factory at Basildon having completed their fantastic journey.”

Phil Gibson said: “I have been overwhelmed by the tremendous support from New Holland, without them we would not have done any of this.”

The trip was almost entirely funded by donations from Blue Force club members and generous sponsors.

New Holland dealer Robertsons of Orkney funded the pair’s ferry crossings to the Orkney Islands to guarantee the islands’ blue tractor fans can be part of the celebrations.

Other New Holland dealers along the 5000-mile route hosted events to celebrate 100 years of blue tractors and support Phil and Peter on their Coastline Challenge.

Phil, who is a lifelong blue tractor user and fan, said that he and treasurer Peter had, “lived, worked and breathed tractors all our lives, but this challenge was something very new”.

The Coastline Challenge is raising funds for two charities, Steps Conductive Education Centre in Loughborough, and Cancer Research UK.

Phil and Peter aim to raise £25,000 by the end of 2017. They have raised nearly £13,000 so far.

To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/CoastlineTractorChallenge or uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/CoastlineTractorChallenge