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Gelligaer Young Farmers Club are preparing for their first tractor run this weekend in memory of a “passionate farmer and friend”.

Lorraine Howells farmed land in Rhymney and worked as part of the council’s countryside team before sadly passing away earlier this October.

Huw Rowlands, a member of the young farmers club, described Lorraine as a “wonderful woman”.

He and the other 45 members have decided to arrange a tractor run with all proceeds going to a charity “very close” to Lorraine’s heart.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer, Huw said: “Lorraine was a big supporter of the club, so we’ve decided to bring back the tractor run, which should see about 30 tractors trek across the borough.

“It’ll be a Halloween-themed run, with a competition for the best dressed tractor taking place, before making our way from Nelson through a couple of areas such as Ystrad Mynach and Hengoed before finishing back in Nelson

“All of the money donated will be given to the Helping Hands charity in Rhymney, which Lorraine was a huge part of.”

The club, which has been running for 84 years, has grown rapidly in recent years having almost folded during Covid due to a lack of members.

Huw continued: “We’re in a really good place at the moment. We run a membership model for ten to 28-year-olds, which allows you to enter 120 competitions a year in areas such as judging animals, floral arrangements, and singing for example.

“Our mantra is that you don’t need to be a farmer to join the group, its just about learning and getting involved where you can.”

The tractor run is due to start at around 6pm on Sunday October 27 from Nelson Co-op, before making the hour journey around the borough to Colliers Farm back in Nelson.