FISHGUARD and Pembroke ports were taken over by more than 60 vintage tractors on Friday afternoon (April 4).

With Welsh and Irish flags flying high, they set off on the afternoon sailings to Rosslare to take part in the 2014 Welsh/Irish Tractor Road Run.

In March last year around 100 tractors came to Pembrokeshire from Ireland for the annual road run, and over the weekend tractors from Pembrokeshire were in Ireland to exchange the hospitality.

Henry Dixon is one of the organisers of the trip. He said the last time they were in Ireland they enjoyed an incredible welcome.

“It was first class; we couldn’t have had a warmer welcome. There were bagpipes playing as we arrived in Rosslare Harbour.

“The run is on Saturday, and that night we will enjoy a get together, and a presentation with some of us saying a few words. We will also have a beer and a good old sing song.

Fellow organiser Dilwyn Phillips said: “The sea looks nice and calm which is a blessing. If this trip is going to be anything like last time, it will be excellent. I’m really looking forward to it.

“When the Irish were over here last year we entertained them at Folly Farm, and at the Mariners Hotel in Haverfordwest. They took over the hotel as there was so many of them.”

While the majority of the riders making the trip were over 65, there was a good turnout of youngsters. They included Rhys Griffiths and Emyr Griffiths from Hayscastle.

Rhys said: “I recently bought a tractor and thought it would nice to see a different country from a tractor. I enjoy speaking to different people about tractors."

Emyr added: “I’ve done a few local runs, but this is my first one overseas. I’m looking forward to the trip. It’s something different.”

The travelling tractors date back to 1953 and makes and models included Massey Ferguson, McCormick International, Fordson Major, David Brown, John Deere. They can reach speeds of 10 to 12 miles an hour.