A RACEHORSE stables open day has raised more than £700 for a charity providing financial help to serving and retired soldiers and their families in times of need.

The open day at John Weymes’ Ashgill Stables, in Middleham, North Yorkshire, donated its proceeds to ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.

Visitors were able to see behind the scenes of the racing yard, meet some of the racing stars trained there, and see a demonstration on equine dentistry from York-based Sammy Norris.

Staff from the North East and Yorkshire Regional Office of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity were also on hand to talk about the work carried out by the charity.

After the event £720 was handed to Major Barney Barnbrook, regional director for North East and Yorkshire, at the charity’s offices at Catterick Garrison.

Representing John Weymes Racing, Peter Bickley, who runs High Moor Racing Partnerships and whose horses are trained at the stables said: “How grateful we all are to the visitors and owners attending the day, and for the donations for this very worthy cause.”

Major Barnbrook added: “I am extremely pleased to receive the donation on behalf of the charity – my thanks go to everyone who made a donation.”

For further information on The Soldiers’ Charity call 01748 874127 or email abfne@soldierscharity.org. The new regional Facebook page can be found at www.facebook.com/abfne and contains details of all forthcoming events.