A Powys illuminated tractor run has been deemed a glowing success after it raised £5,000 for charity.

Hundreds of people lined the streets to support the Pontfaen Young Farmers Club Christmas Illuminated Tractor and 4x4 Run, which saw a fleet of tractors donned in twinkling festive lights travel through Merthyr Cynog, Upper Chapel, Pontfaen, Cradoc, Pwllgloyw, Groesffordd and Brecon.

The event, which is in its second year, raised money for Wales Air Ambulance and The DPJ Foundation, the mental health farming charity.

Welsh rugby star Dan Lydiate was invited to judge the best decorated tractor, which were adorned with intricate light displays, ranging from colourful geometric patterns to elaborate scenes depicting holiday traditions.

After much consideration, Dan awarded the top prize to Liam Powell, who was presented with the cup and vouchers donated by Wynnstay.

The Best Decorated 4 x 4 went to Llywela Lewis and 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 the tractor run had been a glowing success.

He said: “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.”

Father Christmas also brought a welcome smile to the children and handed out gifts to those gathered at Brecon High School Car Park. Brecon Town Council kindly donated the gifts for Father Christmas to distribute.

The evening concluded with a raffle. Pontfaen YFC want to thank McCartneys LLP for allowing the run to start at Brecon Livestock Market, Jo Evans, Grant Community Champion from Morrisons, for donating food for the drivers and passengers and all members who donated prizes, as well as the following businesses for giving prizes; The Wheelwright Arms, RWAS Ltd, New Holland Agriculture, Celtic Manor, Carrs Billington, Hopkins Machinery, Hay & Brecon Farmers and Hills of Brecon.

A Brecon resident wrote: “The tractor run was absolutely brilliant. Goodness knows how many hours it took to put the event together. I have lived in Brecon all my life (72 years)! and this is one of the best events that I have ever seen.”

The club would like to thank the following sponsors for their generous support of the event; 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, Youngs of Brecon.

They also would like to extend their appreciation to Maureen and staff at Brecon Market Café and Anne and staff at the Strand Café, Builth Wells for selling over £500 of raffle tickets.

Helen Pruett, Wales Air Ambulance community fundraiser, said: “A huge thank you to Pontfaen YFC for choosing to raise money for the Wales Air Ambulance for a second year. The tractor run was yet again a resounding success and that is down to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. Their efforts helped to create a festive and memorable atmosphere for all who attended.  

“The money raised will help us to continue our lifesaving service across Wales. Thank you so much everyone.”