A FESTIVE tractor run near Whitchurch has smashed its fundraising record.

Brian's Christmas Tractor Run, which took place on Friday, December 23, broke its fundraising record raising £10,000.

The event, which was in its second year, travelled through Tallarn Green, Worthenbury, Bangor on Dee, Overton, Penley, Horsemans Green, Hanmer, Bettisfield and Bronington, and featured illuminated tractors.

The £10,000 will be split between Hope House in Oswestry and Nightingale House in Wrexham.

More than 158 tractors took part and hundreds of people came to watch the event, which was organised by Brian Jones, Sophie Mottershead, Wendy Jones and Carys Studley.

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Sophie said: "Without these enthusiastic and generous tractor drivers, we really wouldn’t have been able to put on this brilliant event.

"With planning starting in October, this year’s event was generously supported by many local businesses and families, who provided all manner of support, including raffle prizes, sponsorship money, and their time and expertise.

"The generosity of local companies has meant that record raffle sales helped bring up the total fundraising.

"We rely heavily on the support of others to help bring this event together, and this year far exceeded our expectations."

Sophie said the group was pleased with the postive impact the money would have on both hospices and paid tribute to the event sponsors.

She added: "We are immensely proud to be able to support Hope House and Nightingale House Hospice.

"After visiting the hospices, we are so pleased that the funds will be used to support their future plans, to help more people who need it most.”

“Our sincerest thanks must also go to one of our sponsors, Rostons, for enabling us to reach £10,000.

"We are truly thrilled to be able to make this contribution to the hospices, who will each receive half the amount each.

"Thank you."

Sue Williams from Nightingale House said: "We are very grateful to Brian, Sophie, Carys, and Wendy for organising such an amazing event. 

"Thank you also to the community for choosing Nightingale House Hospice as one of the charities to support.

"Such a fabulous idea and the tractors  looked spectacular.

"Thank you so much for raising vital funds for us."

A Hope House spokesperson said: "We are so grateful to Brian and the organisers for choosing to raise money for us.

"Without amazing support like this from our local community we simply wouldn’t able to be here for the children and families that really need us.