A SPONSORED Shetland pony race has raised £650 for the special care baby unit at the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton.

The race was held during the North of England Equine Event at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate.

Eight ponies from the Knix Stud, in Brompton on Swale, took part in the Shetland Steeplechase Challenge, competing on a mini Aintree course.

Two of the ponies, Eastlands Mighty Mark and Riccalton Pewter have qualified for the Shetland Pony Grand National, which takes place at the Olympia Show Jumping Championships in London on Sunday.

The money raised was presented to staff from the special care baby unit at their Christmas Party on Saturday.