A dilapidated Massey Ferguson tractor will be restored in 24 hours to raise money for charity.

A UK agricultural engineering lecturer will take on the challenge in Union Hall, Co Cork, this July.

Michael O’Sullivan is from Wiltshire in England and has a home in Co Cork.

He approached Union Hall RNLI Lifeboat, a charity which provides a voluntary 24-hour search and rescue service at sea, with his idea. Plans are now in place for Wednesday 13 July on Keelbeg Pier in Union Hall.

The new parts for the tractor are being donated to the project by AGCO and the 24-hour challenge will be streamed live online.

Vital services

Pamela Deasy of Union Hall RNLI Lifeboat said the funds for the rescue service are much needed.

“The awful tragedy with the Tit Bonhomme in 2012 brought home to us how unpredictable the sea can be and how many families have lost loved ones to it.”

The service is much need in the area and in the two years since the lifeboat station was established in Union Hall, the volunteer lifeboat crew has responded to “17 callouts and brought 21 people to safety.”