Bicton College Engineering students will be training the general public to drive tractors, quad bikes and off road vehicles at the Devon County Show this year, Thursday 21 to Saturday May 23.

Visitors to the county show will have the opportunity to test their ability and experience driving big vehicles at the new Machinery Driving Area which will be include a skills area. The farm vehicles will be supplied by CR Willcocks, New Holland dealers from Bovey Tracey, above the Woodland Lodge at the County Show. Visitors interested in trying their hand at driving must bring a valid car driving licence with them.

Chris Jaworski, programme manager, Land-based Engineering at Bicton College says, “Our students studying for Level 2 and 3 Diplomas in Engineering, Vehicle Maintenance and Construction are well equipped with the skills to help visitors understand how to handle and drive these machines. We are really looking forward to managing this new area at the County show.”

Bicton College Engineering students will also drive vintage tractors in the cattle arena during the show.

Steve Rettalick, Managing Director, CR Willcock’s and former Bicton College engineering student says, “We are supplying all the equipment and safety barriers and a seesaw for the tractors - a real challenge for drivers to balance the seesaw with the tractor and test their clutch and brake skills. We have a close relationship with the Engineering department at Bicton College and are looking forward to working with them. We hope that visitors will enjoy the experience of driving these vehicles.”

CR Willcocks & Company ltd. was first established in 1964 when the company took over the local Ford tractor franchise. The company then moved to Kingsteignton over forty years ago, and quickly became one of the largest retailers of its type in the region. In 2006 the Company relocated to its current site at Heathfield. In 2014 the Company celebrated 50 years as a Ford New Holland Dealer. CR Willcocks currently represent some of the top brands within the agricultural and garden machinery industries and is surging forward under the guidance of its four Directors.