Some of the country's top ploughmen will be trying to steer a straight furrow at Steventon on Sunday, September 9.

More than 50 ploughmen are expected to take part in the annual Steventon and district ploughing match - all with vintage tractors, mainly from the 1950s.

Foot and mouth restrictions forced the cancellation of the All England Championships in Cumbria and, as a result, the Steventon event has attracted more top-rate ploughmen.

For the first time, the Thames Valley Tractor Club is also holding its annual competition in conjunction with the Steventon match. The oldest competitor will be Bill Froom, 83, of Mortimer, near Reading.

Organisers Dave Mobbs and his wife, Janice, said the event, which starts at 10am, would provide a day out for the whole family.

"Among the attractions will be two half-scale steam traction engines including one demonstrating a half-scale plough," said Mr Mobbs.

Proceeds will go to the Farmers' Benevolent Fund.

The ploughing site at Steventon Hill, near Abingdon - off the A34 - is signposted and there will be car parking. For more information, call 01235 814149.