BBC Hereford & Worcester
BBC News, West Midlands
Malvern RFCA convoy of tractors set off on a five-mile ride in special tribute to a 14-year-old boy on the day of his funeral.
About 35 tractors gathered in Malvern, Worcestershire, in the send-off for Harry Moss, a tractor enthusiast.
He died at a farm in Malvern last month following an incident involving farming machinery.
His death led to an outpouring of tributes from his family and friends, including Andy Tipping, chairman of the local branch of the Vintage Tractor & Engine Club, who organised the convoy and described the teenager as “a real good lad”.
All the tractors taking part had a flag with a picture of Harry, a gesture that Mr Tipping said would touch the teenager’s mother.
He added that as the tractors gathered, his voice had begun to wobble. “The emotion will probably hit me today,” he said.
“Today is going to be tough. Tough on everybody.”
Harry had been saving up to buy a vintage tractor, Mr Tipping said, adding: “He loved tractors, anything that goes. Tractors, quads, anything really – Harry loved everything.”
Mr Tipping said the teenager was now “up in farming heaven”.
“We’ll be thinking of Harry for a long, long time,” he said.
The convoy left a site near the Three Counties Showground at 11:15 BST to make the journey via the B4208 to St Mary’s Church in Madresfield, for the funeral at midday.
Tractors were driving at between 10 and 14 miles per hour, with police motorbikes on hand to help with traffic.
Harry’s young friends took part in the tribute, Mr Tipping explained, and had decorated tractors with flowers. “They’re really devastated,” he said of the teenagers.
Harry had been a popular rugby player and Malvern Rugby Club’s Under-15 team were set to form a guard of honour as the hearse arrived outside the church.
Following his death, police confirmed there had been an incident involving farm machinery and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) had been informed.
A man arrested on suspicion of manslaughter is still under investigation and remains on bail, according to the West Mercia force.
The HSE said it was working with the force on an inquiry.
