WELSH rugby star Dan Lydiate was the judge as a Powys-based Young Farmers Club Christmas tractor run which raised nearly £5,000 for charity.

Pontfaen YFC Tractor Run returned this year, lighting up Brecon and the surrounding areas during the night of Wednesday, December 21, while raising around £4,500 for the Wales Air Ambulance and DPJ Foundation.

Hundreds of people turned out to see the procession at various places along the route, which started in Brecon and visited the local farming communities of Merthyr Cynog, Pontfaen, Castle Madoc, Pwllgloyw, Lower Chapel and Llandefaelog Fach.

Thanks to McCartneys LLP, the run started at Brecon Market, with club chairman Raiff Devlin welcoming Gethin Havard, the Brecknock YFC county president, who introduced the judge, Dan Lydiate, one of Powys’ favourite sporting sons, who is also an avid farmer, from Abbeycwmhir.

Dan had the difficult task of choosing a winner among the fantastically decorated vehicles. Each tractor was adorned with intricate light displays, ranging from colourful geometric patterns to elaborate scenes depicting holiday traditions.

Wales Farmer: All the tractors lined up All the tractors lined up

As Dan walked down the line of tractors, he marvelled at the creativity and hard work put into each one. It was a tough decision, but after much consideration, Dan ultimately awarded the top prize to Liam Powell.

The crowd cheered as the proud owner of the winning tractor was presented with the cup by Dan and vouchers donated by Wynnstay. It was a truly memorable evening with the best decorated 4x4 vehicle going to Llywela Lewis. The best dressed driver and passenger was won by Gerwyn Rees and Ann Davies, winning items donated by the DPJ Foundation.

Powys county councillor for the area, Iain Mcintosh, said: “It's been another fantastic evening watching the second tractor run event organised by Pontfaen YFC.

“It's always great to see the community getting together on occasions like this and like last year, this brought people out onto their doorsteps all the way from Merthyr Cynog and Upper Chapel, through Pontfaen, Cradoc, Pwllgloyw and Groesffordd, into Brecon.

“Everyone at Pontfaen YFC deserves a massive thank you for organising this event again and that goes to all the local businesses who have helped to raise money by sponsoring the event too.”

Wales Farmer: Dan Lydiate presents the winning trophy to Liam Powell Dan Lydiate presents the winning trophy to Liam Powell

The tractor run was a resounding success thanks to the hard work and dedication of the tractor drivers who participated. These dedicated individuals spent countless hours decorating their tractors with light displays, turning the tractors into works of art.

The tractors were a sight to behold as they paraded through Brecon and the surrounding areas. The drivers should be commended for their efforts, which helped to create a festive and memorable atmosphere for all who attended. The success of the tractor run is a testament to the passion and creativity of these dedicated individuals.

Sincere thanks to Jo Evans, grant community champion from Morrisons, for donating food for the drivers and passengers.

The club would like to thank all the sponsors for their generous support, including Bbi Group, Caleb Roberts Insurance Services, Caroline’s Real Bread Company, Clee Tompkinson & Francis, Cradoc Golf Club, Hills Brecon, Ivor Duggan & Sons, AV Griffiths & Son, JHS Training, LBS Builders Merchants, Lyndon R Jones Heating Services Ltd, Morgan’s Family Butchers, Penmaenau Bars, Phil Davies Haulage Ltd, Pixelhaze, Ted Hopkins, the Strand Café, Builth Wells, Wigwam Brecon, Woodland Davies Solicitors and Youngs of Brecon.

Santa brought a welcome smile to the children and handed out gifts to those gathered at Brecon High School car park and thanks to Brecon Town Council for their donation of gifts.

The evening concluded with a raffle, and thanks go to all members who donated prizes and local businesses, including the Wheelwright Arms, RWAS Ltd, New Holland Agriculture, Celtic Manor, Carrs Billington, Hopkins Machinery, Hay & Brecon Farmers and Hills of Brecon.

The club would like to thank Maureen and staff at Brecon Market café and Anne and staff at the Strand Café, Builth, for selling over £500 of raffle tickets.

Club secretary Sian Healey thanked everyone who had helped in any way to make the event such a huge success.

If anyone would like to donate to the tractor run and support the charities involved, email pontfaenyfc2016@gmail.com for details or donate at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/pontfaen-yfc.