A PROMISE made to a dying cancer victim was fulfilled when nearly 60 horses turned out for a memorial ride.

The four-legged foray, through Hamsterley Forest, will become an annual event in memory of 23-year-old breeder Andrew Moody, from Escomb, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, who died from bowel cancer in September last year.

His friend, Tracy Nilsen, organised the ride, which raised more than £700 for the Beating Bowel Cancer charity.

As Mr Moody fought his illness, Ms Nilsen made him a pledge that he would never be forgotten.

Ms Nilsen, of Crook, County Durham, said: "Andrew was a friendly, outgoing, positive person right to the end, never complaining or thinking of himself, and he showed much courage throughout his illness. He had a great sense of humour and was somewhat of a practical joker who brought a lot of happiness into my life and many others."

Before his illness Mr Moody had built up a livery business at his family's home, Escomb Farm, where he had earned a reputation as one of the country's top breeders of Appaloosa horses.

As well as collecting a host of championship trophies, he exported the first Appaloosas to Norway, in 1996.

Another friend, Kathleen Anderson, organised a fun day at the Green Tree pub, Howden-le-Wear, which raised £301 for the same charity