A RACING stables open day has raised a record amount for local charities.

More than £20,000 was collected during the event in Middleham, near Leyburn, on Good Friday.

The attendance was also a record, with 6,000 people coming to take a look behind the scenes at some of the industry's top stables.

Cheques were handed over to local charities at a ceremony at the Blue Lion, in East Witton.

James Bethell, chairman of the Middleham Trainers' Association, who organised the event with the Middleham Key Centre, said he was delighted with the total.

The main beneficiaries included the Key Centre, Racing Welfare, the Great North Air Ambulance and Middleham Sports Association.

Money also went to Middleham Over 65's Luncheon Club, Middleham Playgroup, Children Today, Middleham Town Council's community fund, Middleham Primary School, St Mary and St Alkeldas Church, Richmond and Catterick Furniture Store, The Samaritans, Leyburn Town Band and the Pinnochio Pre-School Nursery.