Report and picture by Gary JonesAS the night sky turned dark the small market town of Rhayader was lit up as the inaugural Full Moon Tractor Run took to the streets and roads of Mid Wales with great support from far and wide.

The event, which was held in complete darkness, was the brainwave of organiser Ralph Powell for the Rhayader Vintage Club. He put out some feelers - to which there was a great response - to see if people were interested in holding such an event. Many wondered why no one else had thought of the idea before.

With the town clock striking 7pm the first of the 111 vehicles switched their lights on and left the mart premises for a grand parade of the town before winding their way up to the famous four Elan Valley dams, namely Caban Coch, Garreg Ddu, Penygarreg and Craig Goch. The lights of the tractors made a fantastic spectacle as they reflected across the waters on a beautiful spring evening.

The event not only catered for tractors, some landrovers also took to the mountain roads of mid Wales much to the delight of the spectators parked up in the laybys along the 21-mile route who watched the parade passing through.

Some two hours later, the start of the long convoy arrived back in Rhayader after the loop with the drivers' faces beaming with smiles. They also blew their horns as the spectators waved their flags in the streets to greet them on their return.

The event had been a big success, money had been spent in towns and businesses, but more importantly the money raised from the run will now go to the Epilepsy research and the Rhayader Leg Club. With an entry of more than 100 vehicles, this should be a substantial amount. The rumour is that next year's event is already being planned.