Tractor parade lights up the town

* The tractor cavalcade makes its way down a packed Castle Street.

Hundreds braved the cold and rain to watch Llangollen's first ever illuminated tractor run rumble through the town centre yesterday (Sunday) evening.

Around 20 mighty agricultural machines from the local farming community made their way from the Pavilion field to St Martins and back again to raise money for two good causes in an event jointly organised by Llangollen Young Farmers and the new Vale of Llangollen Rotary Club.

On the field the best-decorated tractor was judged by a group including the Town Mayor, Cllr Paul Keddie, who then waved off the convoy which made its way down Abbey Road and along Castle Street and Regent Street towards Chirk and the Shropshire border.

Hundreds of cheering people lined the route through the town to see the tractors pass by, each sounding their horns in acknowledgment.

There were similar numbers lining the streets in Fron, Chirk, St Martins, Overton, and Ruabon, with smaller groups outside even the tiniest hamlets along the route.

Volunteers from both organisations were out collecting donations in buckets.

All cash raised will go to Wales Air Ambulance and the DPJ Foundation, a Welsh charity which supports those in agriculture and rural communities with mental health problems.

Winning tractor was chosen as a 175 horsepower Valta, one of three entered by Llysfasi Coleg and driven by Gareth Williams, which was adorned with two lifelike model sheep on the front.

* The tractor run has its own dedicated Justgiving page at: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sharon-jones-186?utm_term=nzvZ6g5Q8

Or the two organisations can be contacted through their respective Facebook pages:

Llangollen Young Famers: https://www.facebook.com/LlangollenIlluminatedTractorRun

Vale of Llangollen Rotary: https://www.facebook.com/ValeofLlangollenRotary