300 tractors mass in memory of young crash victim

A charity tractor run in memory of a YFC vice-president killed in a car accident three months ago has attracted an incredible 300 machines.

Catrin Vaughan’s former club mates at Llysyfran YFC in Pembrokeshire organised the event to raise money for the charity set up in her name.

They were confident there would be no shortage of participants but had never expected the 293 vintage, classic and modern tractors that turned up on the day.

The event raised £10,000 for the Learning Resource Centre at the school in Fishguard where Miss Vaughan had taught, and yet more donations are still being made.

“Although the circumstances of the event were incredibly sad it was a great tribute to Catrin that so many people turned up and showed their support,’’ said Llysyfran YFC club leader, Andrew Evans.

The tractors followed a 20-mile route across public roads and farmland. “We had plenty of stewards along the route to keep everything flowing,’’ said Mr Evans.

The schoolteacher was just 30 and engaged to be married when she died in a two-car accident near Fishguard in April. A charity, the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, has been established in her name.

Catrin, a former Rally Queen attendant in Pembrokeshire, had been an active YFC member for many years. She had also represented Pembrokeshire in public speaking competitions and in 2008 won the Stockman of the Year competition.

Her family and her fiancée were at the tractor run to wave off the tractors and to watch them cross the finishing line.