The Barlow Red Barrows got groovy with gardening tools on April Fools day to raise money for a children’s charity.

The Red Barrows, named after the RAF Red Arrows, are a team of local “pilots” from around Dronfield and Barlow renowned for their monthly musical wheelbarrow performances held across the summer.

Rehearsals started for their charitable barrowing season on April 1 – this year they are raising money for “Fair Play,” who support children and young people with special needs.

Some money will also go to a homeless charity based in Chesterfield.

Wing Commander David Johnston said, ‘’Choosing lesser known local charities who rely on volunteers to support some of the most vulnerable children and adults is the driving force for our fund raising.

“The coming months will be the busiest we’ve experienced. Our displays are breath taking…usually because many of the barrow pilots soon get out of breath running around in circles!’’

The Barrows have raised £14k over the past two years, which was shared between Amy’s House in Sheffield (supporting children with severe special needs) and Nenna Kind Cancer Support based in Chesterfield.

Some of their summer performances include the Chatsworth Horse Trials in May, main ring entertainment at the Hope and Ashover Shows, as well as galas at Oughtibridge and Barlow Carnival.