SIXTY tractors braved the rain on Saturday, June 10 to raise thousands of pounds for Trefin tot Tilly Morgan.

Tilly, who has just turned four was diagnosed with leukaemia in December last year.

The local community immediately rallied to raise funds for her and her family; parents Chris and Amy, and younger brother Archie. The family frequently travel to Glangwilli Hospital, Carmarthen, and University of Wales Hospital, Cardiff, where Tilly receives treatment.

Rob Rees, organiser of the Llanrhian Vintage Tractor Run knows Tilly's family and suggested that this year's event should raise money for them.

Despite a terrible forecast and pouring rain, 60 vintage tractors and trailers from across Pembrokeshire set of from Llanrhian at 10.30 in the morning, travelling down to Whitesands and then back to St Davids Rugby Club for light refreshments where the soggy participants were given a morale boost by the presence of Tilly and her family.

"When we saw her there so full of beans it lifted all our spirits," said organiser Rob Rees. "She was in tremendous form."

Tilly followed the run by car, joining the Friends of Bro Dewi trailer for the last mile of the run into Trefin, where participants enjoyed a hearty meal in the Ship Inn.

"This is the first time in 20 years that we have had rain on the run," said Mr Rees. "But it didn't affect the hwyl. Everybody was in good spirits."

The tractor run is now in its 20th year and has raised nearly £200,000 for local good causes in that time. It does not have an entrance fee but relies on donations from participants.

"It is a remarkable amount of money," said Mr Rees. "And it's all because of the vintage tractors. If it wasn't for the tractors we wouldn't be doing it."