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A Halloween-themed tractor run has raised more than £1,000 for a Rhymney-based charity “very close” to a late farmer’s heart.

More than 1,000 people lined the streets of Nelson and surrounding villages to see more than 30 brightly dressed tractors, all in memory of late farmer and “everyone’s friend”, Lorraine Howells.

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

In memory of Lorraine, and to raise money for the Helping Hands charity of which she was heavily involved in, Gelligaer Young Farmers Club arranged a tractor run across the borough on Sunday October 27.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer about the event, club member Huw Rowlands said: “It was a great day. There were some really creatively dressed tractors and plenty of lights for people to look at.

“More importantly it was a chance to remember Lorraine and all that she did for so many people. We manged to raise over £1,000 with more promised.”

The event was so successful that Huw and the group plan to hold a tractor run every Halloween moving forward.

“We were able to speak to people and tell them a bit about us and what we do, which will hopefully improve our membership numbers and secure our future.”

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.

Visit GoFundMe to make a donation to Helping Hands.