A restored 75-year-old tractor has travelled 200 miles from Kent back to the place it was first built.

The idea came from David Padgett, director at Kent Demolition Company Ltd, who says the journey is of special significance to him.

The 62-year-old fondly remembers riding the Nuffield tractor at aged seven with his father, Geoff.

It was manufactured at a factory in Drews Lane, Birmingham, in 1950 and was sent to West Malling Airfield, which is now part of the Kings Hill development.

The site became a leading night fighter station in 1941 and by 1944 it was part of Operation Diver, a campaign to defend the South East against the V1 Flying Bomb.

“The tractor was used to pull aeroplanes in and out of the hangars and cut the grass, I suppose,” David explained.

“When they shut the aerodrome down, my father bought it from there in 1970.

“He didn’t do much with it really and later died. Since then, it has been sitting in the shadows.

“In the last 40 years, it has been started up two or three times – that's about it.”

The vehicle was originally bought by Geoff for £60 and is now 75 years old.

Repairs to restore the tractor took a couple of months to complete and cost around £1,000.

A replacement carburettor, belts, an alternator and a new set of tyres were needed to bring it back to life.

David added: “Do you know what’s really amazing? This engine is 75 years old and it’s ULEZ compliant. How mad is that?”

The director, who lives in Sevenoaks, has worked for the family-run demolition company for more than 25 years.

David set off at 8am on Saturday (May 31) from their site in Borough Green Road, Wrotham, and travelled along various A and B roads to Birmingham, arriving on Monday.

A support vehicle and trailer has been following the tractor for the 200-mile journey.

They made their way through Sevenoaks, Westerham and Godstone, then towards Guildford, Farnham, Oxford and beyond.

Speaking before setting off, David said: “It's not that easy to drive as it happens, but I'm going to do it.

“I’ll be going nice and steady. I'm in no particular rush and I don't mind how long it takes.

“There's no deadlines to meet and we'll stop when we need to. It will be great, I’m looking forward to it.”

The factory in Drews Lane has since been demolished, however, part of the original wall and gate post remains.

After marking the occasion with a few pictures at the former site entrance, they are set to return to Wrotham this week.

David is raising funds for his local food bank, The Community Cupboard, which is based in West Kingsdown.

Founded in 2019, the charity provides essential support for over 1,000 families in the area.

At the time of writing, the company has already raised £825.

If you’d like to contribute, please click here.

People are also being asked to drop off any non-perishable food at the company's yard.

David says he is happy to make a detour on the way to collect items for the cause.

Those who have vintage tractors are also welcome to join him on the return journey as far as they’d like.

If you’d like to get involved, call 07778377919.