If you have a tractor, the Order of Malta wants to see it in Thurles next month. The charity is attempting to break a Guinness world record for having the largest number of tractors in one place.

Canadian farmers took part in a parade of 1,231 tractors to set the record in 2010 but the Order of Malta is aiming to get 5,000 tractors to Thurles racecourse on April 27th.

Its head of fundraising and communications Sharon Edge Kane said the money raised would fund the charity’s ambulance corps and help to fit out a new first-aid training centre in Thurles.

The Order of Malta’s ambulance corps provides first aid and ambulance transport services at public and community events. Some 4,000 members work with more than 80 units, North and South.

The challenge was launched in Thurles last night with the support of former Munster rugby players John Hayes and Denis Leamy, as well as Tipperary hurlers Brendan Maher, Padraic Maher and Lar Corbett.

Maher, the Tipperary hurling team captain, said he was very familiar with the work of the ambulance corps.

“They were at all of the 38 matches in Semple Stadium last year, providing vital medical back-up to crowds of over 35,000.”