An adventurous Reverend is taking to the roads of Pembrokeshire today (Monday) as he travels Wales in a 7.5tonne JCB Fastrac to support agricultural communities this month.

Rev Richard Kirlew aims to raise funds for a range of agricultural charities, during a gruelling 800mile, eight-day, tour around Wales, starting today in Clarbeston Road.

He plans to visit all six Welsh cathedrals, starting with St Davids, before heading for north Wales, and then back to Pembrokeshire on May 8th, via Cardiff and Brecon.

Mole Valley Farmers is providing sponsorship and support with fuel costs for the fundraising tour.

The Reverend, who is the national lead on rural affairs at The Church in Wales, decided to take on the tour to support a range of charities dedicated to supporting hard-pressed agricultural communities.

Mr Kirlew said: “We are very conscious that we want to support these agricultural charities, as so much of my work is connected with farming and small, isolated communities.

“It’s a privilege to try and help charities who do so much for farming communities and the entire rural community.”

He added: “The farming charities not only give out funding in cases of hardship, but they are there as a friendly face, someone to talk to.”

The JCB will also be towing a caravan, adding to the difficulty of the trip but providing the Reverend, his wife Liz and dog Raife with a place to sleep on this challenging journey.