Car enthusiasts have raised an “incredible” £10,000 for the Wales Air Ambulance in just two years.

The proceeds of the annual Mach Run held recently near Machynlleth, go solely to the life-saving charity.

Flooding hit this year’s event, causing a last-minute change in route, but the weather failed to dampen spirits.

Organiser Jason McAuley said: “I came up with the idea of a car run as an escape from my work. A keen petrolhead myself, the premise was to get as many like-minded car enthusiasts together to enjoy a run in the beautiful Welsh countryside, whilst also raising money for a vital service.

“The first Mach Run was held in 2018 and saw over 200 cars and 500 people flock to raise money for the Wales Air Ambulance.

“We had people from all over the UK participating.

“Following on from a very successful first year, we had to bring it back this year. We had a bigger space for even more cars available in 2019, with around 230 vehicles taking part.”

A wide-range of vehicles took to the roads of mid Wales this year, with a fine selection of sports cars, classic cars, super cars, rally cars and even American muscle cars.

The route, which started in Machynlleth, took participants north towards Dinas and Cross Foxes before continuing to Corris and then back via Dinas Cemmaes.

Jason added: “The original route should have taken us up towards the Talyllyn Pass and on to Aberdyfi, however, flooding sadly meant that a last-minute alteration to the route had to be made.

“Despite the weather conditions, it did not dampen people’s spirits. I think the live music and hot food back at base in Machynlleth also helped tremendously.

“I must thank everyone who took part this year and made it such a huge success. A special thanks also must go to RE-Design who supplied us with hundreds of car stickers to sell, yielding £700 alone.”

See this week’s Machynlleth & Llanidloes paper for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition now