A TRACK day at North Yorkshire’s Croft Circuit and evening reception raised £40,000 in aid of military charity 353.

It was organised by car dealership chain Lookers and supporters were given the opportunity to drive a range of cars, including Ferrari, Aston Martin, Ariel Atom, Nissan, Audi, Ford Mustang, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Minis.

Other elements included stunt driving, off-road challenges and ‘rage buggy’ rallies.

The charity 353 gains its name from Private Conrad Lewis, who became the 353rd British soldier to be killed in Afghanistan.

It supports injured servicemen and women as well as friends and families of those who have lost their lives in conflict.

Pte Lewis’s father Tony joined supporters of the charity at the event. In the evening there was a reception at nearby Rockliffe Hall with dinner, entertainment and an auction, with prizes including a Red Devils skydive, a two-night stay in Monaco and a corporate box at Durham County Cricket Club.

Lookers’ chief operating officer Nigel McMinn said: “I’m extremely proud of our people for raising almost £40,000 to make a real difference to the lives of military men and women across the UK.”