Police are asking children to choose the official name of the new police tractor

The Rural Affairs team at Devon and Cornwall Police are asking children to choose the official name of the newest addition to the rural fleet – the police tractor.

A tractor has been loaned to Devon and Cornwall Police, free of charge, by local agricultural machinery dealership, Masons Kings. The tractor has been decked out in distinctive police livery and will be used as an engagement tool by the Rural Affairs team at agricultural shows and events across the region this summer.

PC Clarke Orchard, Alan Rowdon, ACC Glen Mayhew, Peter Endacott, Elliot Prior

Following the success of last year’s competition, which saw four-year-old Reuben Mudge win the competition with the name ‘Optimus Crime’, the force is offering children aged 12 and under the opportunity to name this year’s tractor.

The competition launches, Wednesday, 15 May, and will be open until midnight on Sunday, 9 June, 2024. The winning name will be chosen by Assistant Chief Inspector Glen Mayhew and will be announced on the Devon and Cornwall Police Rural Affairs page on Facebook on Friday, 14 June.

The winner will be invited to meet the team and will be presented with a small prize at the Woofstock Festival on Saturday, 15 June 2024.

Police Constable Clarke Orchard of the Rural Affairs Team said: “As we expected, the tractor sparked lots of opportunities for conversations with farmers from across the county last year and we received a fantastic response from the public.

“Following countless questions from children, we also launched a competition to ‘name the tractor’ and received more than 500 entries.

“This year, we’re excited to launch the competition again and are reaching out to young residents of Devon and Cornwall to see what great names they come up with this year!”

General Manager at Masons Kings, Peter Endacott, added: “As a family-run business deeply rooted in the local community, we are honoured to partner with Devon and Cornwall Police to raise awareness of rural crime. Last year’s campaign was a tremendous success and we are committed to doing everything we can to support our customers.”

Entrants must be living in Devon, Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly and be aged 12 or under at the time the competition closes on 9 June. Entrants must also have permission from their parent or guardian to enter the competition.

Police Constable Clarke Orchard continued: “The Rural Affairs team and I can’t wait to hear the names submitted for the tractor this year. Good luck to everyone who enters!”

For full terms and conditions, and to enter the competition, visit: www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/TractorCompetition

Follow the Devon & Cornwall Police Rural Affairs team on Facebook for valuable advice on rural issues and important updates on the Police Tractor: www.facebook.com/DCPoliceRural

The Police Tractor will make its debut public appearance at the Devon County Show, 16-18 May 2024.