TOP machinery dealer Rickerby is making history this year by holding its annual spring show virtually.

Last year the Carlisle-based company celebrated their 140th anniversary and their 19th annual spring show with over 70 exhibits under one roof.Thousands beat a path to Carlisle for the show which has become a firm fixture in the farming calendar.

But this year staff have made a series of films to promote the event to the farming community far and wide.

"We made a decision at the back end of last year that we wouldn't be able to hold our annual spring show the way we have in the past," said Martyn Henderson, Rickerby's sales director."We started last week with an introductory film with the 'Only Fools and Horses' vehicle and me impersonating Boycie. That has provoked some interesting comments on our Facebook page," added Martyn.

The company intend to run various films on their Facebook page revealing new products and bargain machines.

Next year they will celebrate their 21st annual spring show on March 9 and 10.

Last year, Rickerby’s 140th anniversary was marked with a special-edition show magazine covering the history of the dealership down the years.The business was founded by Joseph Rickerby, who acquired a small firm of engineers in Carlisle and set out to design, patent and manufacture his own farm machinery. His foresight regarding the growth of mechanisation for farming proved well-founded and, over the years, the company has grown.It now includes branches in Penrith, Hexham, Alnwick, Cornhill on Tweed, Bowburn, Carnforth, Castle Douglas and Dunbar.