DOZENS of intrepid tractor drivers took to the roads in Herefordshire for an excellent cause.

Cleobury Mortimer's John Griffiths with his David Brown 885Cleobury Mortimer's John Griffiths with his David Brown 885 (Image: EA Bates)

A total of 56 drivers congregated at Treago Farm in St Weonards on July 14 for the annual St Weonards Tractor run in aid of the Midlands Air Ambulance.

George Green who had borrowed a David Brown from the Evans familyGeorge Green who had borrowed a David Brown (Image: EA Bates)

After the success of last year's run, which raised £2500 for the Air Ambulance, Ron Evans and family welcomed everyone to his farm again, with a dedicated band of volunteers providing tea and coffee and homemade cakes before the off. Participants came from all over Herefordshire as well as Wales and Shropshire.

ALSO READ:

Lynne Rickhuss from Bridgnorth with her MF135 with husband Adrian following behind with his Ford 3000Lynne Rickhuss from Bridgnorth with her MF135 with husband Adrian following behind with his Ford 3000 (Image: EA Bates)

Then just after quarter past ten, it was time for the off and Ron Evans led the procession on his Massey Ferguson 135 as the tractors headed out on the 'castles and climbs' route at 10.15am. 

Malcolm Jones of Craven Arms with his Ford 3000Malcolm Jones of Craven Arms with his Ford 3000 (Image: EA Bates)

The procession headed out across the road to take in Treago Castle and through the estate on the old drive to climb up into St Weonards.

Michael and Judy Weekes from Chepstow on their MF 148Michael and Judy Weekes from Chepstow on their MF 148 (Image: EA Bates)

Turning left along the A466 to Sandyways, they encountered the traffic lights for the roadworks before turning left at the crossroads to head along the hedge-lined lanes to Orcop and on to another section of off-road, on a farm track before reaching the village of Bagwyllydiart.

Nigel and Rose Hantschar aboard their David Brown Cropmaster passing Skenfrith CastleNigel and Rose Hantschar aboard their David Brown Cropmaster passing Skenfrith Castle (Image: EA Bates)

The convoy then took a south-westerly direction down Bannut Tree dingle passing Bannut Tree farm and taking in the glimpses of Kentchurch Court and the estate church of St Mary’s before reaching Kentchurch.

Paul Ruck of Ewyas Harold in a borrowed CountyPaul Ruck of Ewyas Harold in a borrowed County (Image: EA Bates)

Crossing the border into Wales, the tractors reached the hilltop village of Grosmont overlooking the Monnow valley with its Norman-built castle, which controlled a key section of troublesome border country.

(Image: EA Bates) Clive Huffer of Dormington hoping for an England win on his Ford 3000

The castle had been besieged in the rebellion led by the charismatic Welsh leader, Owain Glyndŵr in the 15th century.

Rees Price from Defynnog on his Fordson MajorRees Price from Defynnog on his Fordson Major (Image: EA Bates)

On towards Skenfrith via another stretch of off-road hugging the Monnow to emerge in the picturesque village passing the remains of an early 13th-century castle, which commanded one of the main routes from England. The tractors crossed the Monnow bridge and climbed up to Garway with waving spectators before heading downwards to the dinner stop at Beechlands Farm, Garway.

Russell Thomas from Much Dewchurch with his DextaRussell Thomas from Much Dewchurch with his Dexta (Image: EA Bates)

After much-needed replenishment, with thanks to James Hughes of Pengethley Farm Shop for providing the burgers and sausages, the raffle was drawn. Thanks as well were given to the all the volunteers for marshalling, catering and selling the raffle tickets.

Celebrating their ruby wedding anniversary Lorraine and Tony Webb on their Super DextaCelebrating their ruby wedding anniversary Lorraine and Tony Webb on their Super Dexta (Image: EA Bates)

Also receiving a round of applause were Tony and Lorraine Webb from Norton, who had decided to celebrate their ruby wedding anniversary by coming on the tractor run with their Fordson Super Dexta.

Then it was off again, passing the drive of Glanmonnow House to emerge out on to B4521 and climb up to Broad Oak. Here the procession turned right at towards Welsh Newton, then another stretch of off-road through Hill farm ground to Llancloudy village.

Smiling Paul Evans with his MF 65 who acted as last tractorSmiling Paul Evans with his MF 65 who acted as last tractor (Image: EA Bates)

Heading for home, the tractors crossed the A466 to circumnavigate around to St Weonards and back to Treago Farm.

At time of going to press approximately £,1700 had been raised on the day, with more donations to come in.