A cheque for £725 was handed over to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance by organisers of Nidderdale Harness Racing.

The event in July, 2016, was held at Bewerley Park in Pateley Bridge. Over £1,050 was raised at the event which was split between the YAA and the Princes Countryside Fund,. A further £200 raised by the car park stewards, Ilkley Motor Club, through a bucket collection was also donated to the ambulance service.

Don Leeming, President of Nidderdale Agricultural Society, presented a cheque to Mike Bevington of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance at the Show Committee’s Schedule Meeting.

Mr Bevington thanked everyone for their support which he said had been tremendous over the years. He said the YAA needed £12,000 a day to keep their helicopters flying with two new helicopters, kitted out with the latest equipment, carrying patients to major trauma centres, the James Cook university hospital in Middlesbrough or Leeds general infirmary.

He said crews are currently going through training to use night vision goggles so they can apply for permission for longer flying times.

The 2017 Nidderdale Harness Racing event will be held at Bewerley Park, Pateley Bridge on Sunday, June 25 with the first race starting at 2pm, for information go to www.nidderdaleharnessracing.co.uk