THOUSANDS of pounds was raised for a range of good causes when rugby players of all ages harnessed their muscle-power and hauled some heavy machinery up one of the steepest roads in the county.

Adult members of Minehead Barbarians Rugby Club pulled a tractor up Worthy Toll Road near Porlock Weir, while their junior and mini counterparts pulled the club's ride-on lawnmower up the hill.

The club was given permission to use the privately owned road by Lord and Lady Lytton in return for donating some of the money they raised to the children's cancer charity CLIC.

The rest of the sponsorship money was shared between a club fund to resurface the car park and a New Zealand earthquake relief fund known as Project Lyttelton.

The seniors managed to complete the three mile climb in a respectable time of one hour and ten minutes.

Afterwards, everyone involved was able to unwind back at the rugby club where there was a hog roast, fete, a live band and even a sponsored bouncy castle bounce for younger players.

Organiser Colin Howells said: "The whole day was a huge success and well supported by the club members and the general public.

"Those who took part raised important funds for the club, CLIC Sargent and Lyttelton earthquake appeal.

"Great thanks to Lord and Lady Lytton for allowing the road closure."