Christmas arrives in Welshpool with return of festive tractor run

Festive tractors decked in bright lights travelled through the town, all in aid of the Addington Fund.

The brightly lit tractors left the livestock market in the town at 5pm before driving through Welshpool High Street, Buttington, Trewern, Llandrinio, Four Crosses, Arddleen and Guilsfield.

All money raised went to the Addington Fund, a specialist farming and rural charity which provides disaster relief and houses for families in England and Wales who must leave the farming industry, and therefore their homes, through no fault of their own.

Organiser Jenny Clarke said: "We had an amazing day raising thousands for Addington Fund. With 210 tractors pre-entered and illuminated to such high standards the farming community really pulled it out of the bag this year.

"Thank you to them all for taking the time to decorate and attend the run as we know how demanding farming can be. It was so nice to see so many of our community coming together.

"It was certainly the start of Christmas festivities for most! Thousands of spectators lined the streets of the town and villages four to five people deep. So we are very grateful they all braved the cold weather for our event.

"It’s nice to be able to bring the limelight to Addington Fund who aren’t as widely known in our area, and we believe they could be of great assistance to some.

"We had lots of sponsors this year, namely: Robert Davies Machinery, Rea Valley Tractors, Welshpool Printing Group, TR Machinery, RVW Pugh, Derwas of Welshpool, FRS & Transportation, Pontesbury Tractors, Hughes Catering and Welshpool Livestock Market.

"Without their generosity, the event wouldn’t have been as successful as it was. Also a huge thank you to the 92 volunteer marshals that we had for the event too. It wouldn’t have been run as smoothly without them."