STAFF and students at Wiltshire College Lackham completely stripped down and reconditioned a tractor for charity last week.

The 24-hour marathon effort was organised in aid of the Larkrise Community Farm, near Trowbridge.

The 12 students, in their first year of a National Diploma in Agriculture and Engineering, emerged exhausted but triumphant after restoring the farm's 28 year old Massey Fergusson tractor to its former glory.

The students and staff set to work at 6am last Wednesday, taking the entire machine to pieces, including the engine and gearbox. The job was finished at 5.30am the following day.

"We had to do everything to the gearbox and engine, as well as respraying, a new roof and new tyres," said course tutor Mike O'Sullivan.

"Now it looks like a brand new tractor."

Companies Massey Fergusson and Lister Wilder, from Calne, donated £3,500 in parts for the transformation, and the students raised £700 in sponsorship to help pay for other pieces.

The tractor will be handed over Larkrise farm in the new term.

"I think we nearly bit off more than we could chew," said Mr O'Sullivan.

"But we had a great sense of achievement."