The Llangolman Ploughing Society, located on the border of Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire, came into being over 20 years ago solely to further promote what was then and still remains a growing interest in maintaining and preserving vintage machinery and the skills of traditional ploughing.

The association's title rather understates the full scope of its endeavours.

While there is indeed an annual ploughing match that travels around West Wales between locations in the Cardigan, Carmarthen, Haverfordwest and Narberth areas, there are also the social aspects and the camaraderie of keeping old machines going and passing on to future generations an age old craft.

The physical size of the match has grown to attract well over 40 competitors each year and it has undoubtedly grown in significance for the local farming and agricultural community.

Ploughing remains the main focus of the event. It is a skill which has also evolved, as ploughing by tractors with no cabs or sophisticated hydraulics has given way to a mixed entry of modern, vintage and horse ploughs.

So what of the ploughing match today? It is a vibrant and growing event that is well supported by the local agricultural community and attracts enthusiasts who travel hundreds of miles, not only to compete, but also to meet up with old friends.

This year, the usual Easter Saturday event took place at Carnhuan farm, near Eglwyswrw, ploughing in stubble fields, some of which tested the abilities of the ploughmen (and women) to the full - indeed it was two lady competitors who headed the list of novice prize-winners.

Popular winner of the award for the best ridge and also the high cut prize was Robert Irving from Trevagethan, near Truro in Cornwall. The best work by a Pembrokeshire ploughman was judged to be that of Gordon Harries, of Sunny Bank, St. Florence, and the winning novice was Phyllis Harries, of Llanddeiniol, Aberystwyth.

The trophy for the smartest working turnout - judged by the president, Mr. Howard Lewis - was given to Raymond Roach, of Tanyard, Crundale, Haverfordwest, with a 1938 Standard Fordson tractor and a Ransomes RSLD two furrow trailer plough.

Results were:

(Judges - Aled Morgan and Wyn Jenkins, Cardigan, Dai Prosser, Gower, Mervyn John, Pembroke and John Tucker and John Cale, Monmouth)

High Cut - 1. Robert Irving, Truro; 2. Brenig Bryan, Narberth; 3. Raymond Roach, Haverfordwest.

Trailed plough - 1. John Milnes, Rotherham; 2. John Costain, Isle of Man; 3. Gordon Harries, Tenby; 4. Evan Williams, Machynlleth.

Lift plough - 1. Byron Jones, Rhayader; 2. Richard Ingram, Warwick; 3. Tony Bradley, Monmouth; 4. Emlyn Jones, Newtown.

Novice - 1. Phyllis Harries, Llanddeiniol; 2. Sarah Bryan, Llangolman; 3. John Evans, Clarbeston Road; 4. Evan Jones, Llanddewi Brefi.

Ferguson tractor and plough - 1. Will John , Maenclochog; 2. John Evans, Eglwyswrw; 3. John Handscomb, Capel Iwan.

Horse ploughing - 1. Jim Reynolds, Llandysul; 2. John Fletcher, Moylegrove.