Devon & Cornwall Police are asking children to name their tractor

Devon and Cornwall Police are asking children to think of a name for their new liveried tractor - what would you call it?

Dressed in eye-catching police livery, the tractor will be touring agricultural shows and community events across Devon and Cornwall this summer, helping officers to connect and engage with rural communities.

PC Clarke Orchard, Stephen Dennis (Regional Manager at Farming Community Network), Chief Constable James Vaughan, Dominic Burt (General Manager at Masons Kings), Inspector Steve Philp, Elliot Prior (Business Development Manager at Masons Kings) and PC Lucy Wyatt.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Thanks to the continued support of local agricultural machinery dealership, Masons Kings, the much-loved police tractor is back for another year, on loan free of charge to the force for the summer period.

"Following the huge success of the last competition which saw seven-year-old Eloise Bettison win with the brilliant name ‘Inspector Moors’, children aged 16 and under are being given another chance to come up with a winning title for the unique new member of the rural fleet."

The competition opens on Wednesday, 20 May, and closes at midnight on Sunday, 7 June, and the winning name will be revealed at Woofstock Festival on Saturday, 13 June, where the winner will also have the opportunity to meet the team and receive a special prize.

Rural Affairs Officer, PC Clarke Orchard, is the force lead for Farm Machinery, Agri & Plant Machinery and Agricultural vehicle theft, and is the brains behind the police tractor initiative. He said: “In 2024, the tractor proved to be a fantastic way to encourage conversations with farmers and members of the public, and we were blown away by the creativity of the entries we received.

“The ‘name the tractor’ competition was especially popular with younger visitors, so we’re delighted to be bringing it back and we can’t wait to see what fun, clever and imaginative names children come up with this year.”

General Manager at Masons Kings, Dominic Burt, added: “As a family-run business rooted in the local community, we’re proud to support Devon & Cornwall Police in raising awareness of rural crime. The tractor has become a real talking point, and we’re excited to see it return for another busy summer season.”

To enter, children must be aged 16 or under and live in Devon, Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly. Entries must be submitted with permission from a parent or guardian.

PC Clarke Orchard added: “Whether it’s clever, funny or downright brilliant, we’re looking for a name that really stands out. Good luck to everyone entering – get those thinking caps on!”

For full terms and conditions, and to enter the competition, visit: forms.office.com/e/YZKFFwfYTg  

For updates on the summer tractor tour and for valuable advice on rural issues, follow the Devon & Cornwall Police Rural Affairs team on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DCPoliceRural