TAKING a friend to the pub for a birthday celebration is quite a normal event - but is another matter when that friend happens to be a tractor!

However, this was the scene greeting customers at the Mug House, in Claines, as Pete Sansome helped "Fergie" celebrate its 55th birthday this week.

Pete tootled up outside the pub in the 1947 Ferguson to celebrate his mechanical mate's day, to the amusement of staff and regulars.

"I told them at the pub I would take Fergie out for his 55th birthday after I took it out on its 50th, and I will take it to the pub in another five years if I am still here," said Pete, of Oak Farm, Claines.

Although more than half-a-century has passed since the day Pete was presented with his new vehicle, the 76-year-old bachelor vividly recalls the day it arrived.

"I was so proud. Until then I was just ploughing with horses so to me it was very important," he said.

Costing £300, the little tractor more than gave its value for money, being operational up until the early 1980s. Pete then lovingly restored it, and intends to pass it down to his family as an heirloom.

"They all know about me and my little grey Fergie. It was a great tractor."

Russell Allen, who works at The Mug House, said the pub was more than happy that Pete had given Fergie a day out.

"Pete is very well-known to us," he said. "It was a great sight."