DIGGER driving, pistol shooting and target bowls were among a number of sporting events which raised more than £3,000 for two local charities last weekend.

But the highlight of this year's sporting challenge, held at Lower Quinton Farm, Bockleton, by Quinton Shoot, proved to be the races involving three men on a set of skis and a balloon.

More than 80 people enjoyed the fun day out, which also involved clay pigeon shooting and target bowls, along with an auction of promises and goods ranging from bottles of wine to a selection of days out shooting.

This year's beneficiaries, the Air Ambulance and Cancer Research UK, will receive the £3,000 raised this year, which forms part of more than £20,000 raised by sporting challenges over the last seven years for good causes.

One of the organisers, Mark Williams, said: "The evening saw three separate challenges: guiding a digger bucket around a series of cones without knocking the wrong ones over, pistol shooting at a moving target and what can only be described as three men on a set of skis."

He added that more than 100 people attended the evening event, when the auction swiftly raised £2,000 for the two charities. The sporting challenge was won by Hillhouse, followed by Lambswick and Easton Court.

Mr Williams added: "Deep and heartfelt thanks go out to all concerned for setting the day up, running it so smoothly and providing us with a lot of fun and just a little frustration.

"Special thanks should go to Rob Bemand, who was the main organiser.

"He and his team should be proud of the fact that so much was raised by so few for charities that I know are close to their and our hearts - long may it continue."