THE Badminton Ride, which is run by many volunteers from the Beaufort Hunt and gives riders from across Wiltshire the chance to enjoy riding across the parkland on the Badminton estate, has raised a fantastic £4,000 for charity.

This year the ride was held on September 18, in glorious weather, when around 750 riders from far and wide and of all ages undertook the nine-mile course around Badminton Park, taking in a series of optional jumps and concluding with the 'photo opportunity' Lake Log jump in front of Badminton House - following in the hoofbeats of the top riders who compete at the Badminton horse trials earlier in the year.

As a result £4,000 was given to the nominated charity for this year, SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. The presentation of the cheque to SSAFA took place at Worcester Lodge, when the Duchess of Beaufort made the presentation to Lt Col Bill Common, from SSAFA.

Next year's Badminton Ride will take place on September 24.