Torridge District Council said the New Holland Boomer 55 had a quiet, cleaner-running engine, which would help save fuel.

The tractor will help rangers manage Northam Burrows Country Park, a site of special scientific interest, by enabling them to cut and clear areas of the park at risk of scrub encroachment.

It will also be used by the ground maintenance team to improve the council’s green spaces for wildlife.

Council staff undertook a three-day training course on using the new vehicle.

Torridge’s lead member for operational services, Chris Leather, said: ‘The new tractor will be a welcome addition to the fleet and the teams are looking forward to putting it through its paces to tackle a range of tasks, to help them look after our beautiful and unique environment.’

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