ARMY explosions and blustery winds did not put off the ploughmen who battled it out in the third annual Wylye Valley Ploughing Match.

Sunday's event, at Andrew Elliott's North Farm, in Norton Bavant, saw ploughmen from far and wide driving 30 vintage and classic tractors and competing in 12 classes.

The match took place in Copse Bottom, a 48-acre field which gave spectators a fantastic view over Salisbury Plain.

There was also chance for the public to have a go at ploughing with Shire horses as well as a demonstration of chain harrowing.

One of the judges, David Lowe said: "I worked at North Farm for 36 years but it wasn't until today I realised there could be so many challenges with ploughing this particular field."

Good soil conditions meant it was a closely contested competition and even the loud explosions and black smoke from the army who were training nearby did not deter the ploughmen.

Match organiser Graham Seviour, from Tythering-ton, said: "It was a very good day.

"The weather was kind to us, the setting was spectacular, the soil suited competition ploughing, the participants enjoyed themselves and a lot of people came along to support us."

One of the eldest spectators was farming veteran 91-year-old Bert Legg, of Home Farm, Boreham.

The event raised £300, which will be donated to the Wylye Valley Disabled Children's Riding Summer Camp, a weekly camp held each July in Heytesbury Park for severely handicapped teenagers.