VEHICLES are arriving in the county from all over the UK in preparation for the annual Western Telegraph Pembrokeshire County Run.

Many drivers turn up on the Wednesday and Thursday before to make the most of what Pembrokeshire has to offer with significant numbers remaining until well into the following week.

Along with the many local entries, spectators along the 100 mile route will witness hundreds of cars and motorbikes from the early days of motoring up to sporty hatch backs and kit cars from the 21st century.

Leading the Grand Parade over the start line will be a well known Morris Minor Panda car which first saw service with Cardiff City Police prior to it ending it operational life with the South Wales Police. Alongside the Morris this year will be a Vauxhall Victor 101 ambulance, which apart from being the only one in existence in the entire UK is similar to one operated by the old Pembrokeshire Ambulance Service back in the sixties. It is also hoped that a Ford Thames van, once star of the popular series Heartbeat, from the Midlands will be able to attend.

This is a special year for a number of enthusiasts with a large turnout of Triumph Stags and Jaguars expected as they celebrate their 40th and 75th anniversaries. It is also the centenary of Alfa Romeo. For fans of two wheels, making their first appearance will be a large contingent from Pembrokeshire Scooter Club.

Thanks to the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society both the start and finish lines of the 2010 run will be at the Pembrokeshire County Showground. Organisers Jeff and Sian Edwards are therefore hoping to stage an opening ceremony they have only been able to dream of in the past. With 2010 being the 900th anniversary year of Haverfordwest, the special anniversaries of so many cars taking part, and a year in which we are witnessing so many commemorations of the Second World War, it is fitting that the event will be staged at the Pembrokeshire County Showground which was a wartime RAF aerodrome. Therefore, before the whistle is sounded at 10.30am, it is hoped a cavalcade of open top cars will convey all the special guests around the Showground to review all the entries lined up. The parade will be followed by the Triumph Stags, Jaguars and Alfa Romeos followed by a small cross section of vehicles taking part from the oldest to the youngest.

The organisers are also delighted that the Run is attracting drivers of all ages, from 17 year olds with just a few weeks/months driving experience, to veteran motorists with over 60 years’ driving experience making the run a motoring event for vehicles and enthusiasts of all ages and interests.

Grateful thanks go to the members of Fishguard & Goodwick Lions who will once again be hosting a Refreshment Stop on behalf of the Run on the Moors Park in Goodwick and the Paul Kelly Disco Roadshow who will keep everyone entertained at the showground.

The main aim of the Pembrokeshire County Run is to promote our beautiful county of Pembrokeshire but sales of the Western Telegraph programmes will help raise much need funds for both the British Heart Foundation and the ITU at Withybush General Hospital, two worthy causes close to the hearts of both Jeff and Sian.

The new start/finish line this year means the run has been extended by 14 miles with the cars and motors going in a complete circle of Pembrokeshire, ensuring it truly is a County Run.

“Apart from the beautiful sights the drivers/riders witness on the Run, one of the main highlights for them is the way the people of Pembrokeshire line the route to prove how friendly we all are in the county. This means such a lot to everyone taking part,” said Mr Edwards.

Due to the vastness of the Pembrokeshire County Showground, entries will be accepted up to and on the day.

Please contact Jeff and Sian on: 01646 697226 or email them at pembscountyrun@aol.com.