THE spectacular sight of nearly 500 tractors roared into Knighton for the 31st running of the National Vintage Tractor Road Run, organised by the Teme Valley Vintage Club ably assisted by the tractor clubs of Radnorshire and the Borders to raise money for charity.

The club is hoping to reach its target of £10,000 divided between the RNLI Lifeboats, Hope House, the Wales Air Ambulance and the East Radnor Day Centre.

Tractors had come from all over the country including a strong contingent from Ireland for the event.

Starting from the former Benson’s Yard, owned by Roy and David Edwards the main sponsors of the event, the tractors congregated ready for the proposed 9-30 start, however, this was slightly delayed by a large influx of day entries.

The day had dawned perfect for the Run after the unsettled weather of the previous days.

The club had invited a number of local dignitaries for the formal welcome, which saw Knighton Town Crier, Derrick Price, ring his bell cry for quiet for an Easter blessing by Rev Debbie Venables, curate of St Andrews group of parishes.

Also on hand was Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Knighton Cllr and Mrs Robert Andrews and local Powys County Councillor Beverley Baynham.

Under the leadership of local heating engineer, Steve Weaver, led the Run which traversed the Welsh / English border and the three counties of Radnorshire, Herefordshire and Shropshire.

Touring the communities of Rhos Y Meirch, Norton, Presteigne, Stapleton, back over Stonewall Hill to descend back into Knighton for dinner.

Here the tractors took over the market car park giving locals and spectators the chance to peruse the assembly variety of marques and models.

Among them were nearly 60 County tractors, many of them having been manufactured in the town.

The figure of eight route saw the tractors crossing the River Teme into Shropshire, following the railway before turning right at Skyborry Green where residents gathered at the junction, up to Selley Hall crossroads before picking up the Jack Mytton way across the land of the Bevan family to cross Offa Dyke before joining the farm track that runs the spine of the hill.

Then turning back downhill passing Cwm Cole to Llanfair Waterdine, re-crossing the Teme to Lloyney, Knucklas to return to Knighton, where the townsfolk was out in force again to see the tractors return.

Everyone agreed what a tremendous sight it had been and when was the next one!!