An Ipswich special needs student who is "mad about tractors" had the shock of his life when a local farmer turned up outside his house to give him a lift to prom.

Malin Lockwood, 15, has William's Syndrome, a rare genetic condition characterised by developmental delays.

His mother, Paula Lockwood, 52, wanted to give him a prom experience he would never forget and appealed to a local tractor group to help.

Ipswich Star: Malin Lockwood with local farmer Matt Chambers.Malin Lockwood with local farmer Matt Chambers. (Image: Paula Lockwood)

"A lovely man called Matt Chambers stepped up and we organised the surprise in secret," she said.

While Malin was getting ready, he heard the tractor pull up and the family headed outside to let him in on the surprise.

"He was speechless. He just didn't know what to do with himself," said Mrs Lockwood.

Ipswich Star: Malin Lockwood had an 'amazing' prom experience.Malin Lockwood had an 'amazing' prom experience. (Image: Paula Lockwood)

"When he arrived at the prom, all his friends cheered for him. They've never had someone turn up in a tractor before."

Mrs Lockwood said the Wherstead farmer is a "true gentleman," thanking him for going out of his way to brighten Malin's prom experience.

"Special needs children are sometimes overshadowed by the other things in their life, so I can't thank Matt enough for making Malin's day," she added.

READ MORE: See the best photos from tractor run and open day at Suffolk farm

"It's really humbling to know that there are still people who out there who are kind and go above and beyond to make others smile."

Ipswich Star: Malin loved his tractor ride to prom.Malin loved his tractor ride to prom. (Image: Paula Lockwood)

With an "amazing" prom behind him, this marks the end of Malin's time at Stone Lodge Academy as he will be starting at Suffolk Rural in September.

Mrs Lockwood hopes that his penchant for tractors can translate into a future job, adding: "If someone gives him the break he needs, he'd love to work with tractors."