Sparsholt College extended diploma agriculture students broke new ground for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance charity through a sponsored ploughathon.

Dozens of Hampshire-based learners were sponsored to use a ploughing machine, two tractors and muck spreaders on the college farm non-stop for 24 hours.

They raised £1,273 in support of the local air ambulance.

Abby Parsons, agriculture lecturer, said: ‘We are really pleased how committed the students were to the challenge from the organising phase through to ploughing and they did a very professional job.

“Many will be finishing their course this month and going into the workplace. It is encouraging to see how accomplished they all were applying key skills that will hopefully see them pursue successful careers.”

Cap: Students and staff from Sparsholt College with a cheque for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance