WEST Dorset farmers drove their tractors through Bridport town centre to voice their anger over government changes to inheritance tax.

Tractors lined up in a convoy by the Esso Garage along the A35 yesterday morning before setting off through East Street and down South Street.

Farmers were looking to gather support to 'protect the future of British farming'.

Recent changes to inheritance tax laws were set out in the government's Autumn Budget which applies when farmers and landowners pass farmland to the next generation.

Under the changes, the full 100 per cent relief from inheritance tax will be restricted to the first £1 million of combined agricultural and business property relief, above which landowners will pay inheritance tax at 20 per cent, compared with 40 per cent on other estates.

Farmers ae worried there will be no future for British farming with the current laws Farmers ae worried there will be no future for British farming with the current laws (Image: Supplied) In total, 17 farmers took part in the protest representing farms from Bridport and the surrounding area.

A spokesperson for the farmers said the tax change was a 'great concern for the younger generation' and the group was 'overwhelmed' by the support shown for them by the public.

He added: "We are all local farmers who are going to be affected by the new tax rule.

"We are of different ages and in the same boat with the inheritance tax - it will ruin British farming - we are only trying to feed the nation.

"It is of great concern for the younger generation.

"We have had overwhelming support with everyone waving and putting their thumbs up supporting us."

One local resident saw the tractors lining up and wished to express her support for the farmers, and was not concerned by any disruption it might cause.

Jo said: "I have lots of sympathy for them, no matter the inconvenience but it is for a good cause."

The farmers had not publicised the protest beforehand as they wanted to carryout a peaceful protest.

They said it was important for them to show their frustrations and help people understand that the new changes could have a severe impact on the future of farming in the area.

There were 17 tractors altogether in the convey There were 17 tractors altogether in the convey (Image: Supplied) The spokesperson, who organised the protest but wished to remain anonymous, also said that one farmer he knows will have to find more half a million pounds in order to keep his farm within his family.

He added: "We came out because we wanted to show people that we work long hours in order to feed the nation.

"A lot of us have small children and we don't get to see them grow up - especially during harvest time - it is a 24 hour job.

"We want people to know what we do - a percentage do know and the support is heartfelt.

"What we are trying to do is get people to support us and keep farming going for future generations."