HORSE riders have raised hundreds of pounds for charity by taking part in an annual ride.

The parkland and woods of Helmsley’s Duncombe Park was the setting for the ride which raised £725 for Ryedale Special Families (RSF).

It was organised by Ride Yorkshire with longer and shorter route lengths to suit the preferences of different riders.

“We’ve been organising charity rides for Ryedale Special Families for several years now,” said Janet Cochrane, director of Ride Yorkshire. “We were delighted to have permission this year to ride in Duncombe Park. It was wonderful to see more than 70 riders enjoying the route.”

McClarrons, the insurance broker based in Malton, sponsored the rosettes for the ride, while members of the Helmsley and District Rotary and supporters of Ride Yorkshire were on hand to help with stewarding.

Refreshments after the event were provided by the Owl House Café, located at the National Centre for Birds of Prey at Duncombe Park.

Rob Davies, fundraising co-ordinator for RSF, said: “A huge thank you to Ride Yorkshire for organising the event. This is the first time they’ve used Duncombe Park which proved to be an extremely popular venue. Special thanks to them for letting us use it.”