A GROUP of amateur riders have received tips from a championship jockey ahead of the ‘Ride of their Lives’.

Mum-of-two Helen Hinton, 55, of Kirby Fleetham is one of the riders taking part in the race at York Racecourse next week in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Top jockey Kevin Darley walked the course with the riders this week and offered them tips ahead of the race which marks the finale to Macmillan Charity Raceday on June 16.

Ms Hinton was widowed at 42 when her husband died of cancer and she has already raised more than £11,000 for Macmillan to take part in the race.

She said she was inspired to take part by a friend, adding: “It was time to do something for myself and see what I was capable of.”