RIDERS saddled up for charity to take part in a nine-mile fun ride organised by Croome Pony Club Parents' Association.

More than 100 riders took part in the annual event, from five-year-olds on ponies led by parents on foot, to older riders on sturdy cobs and huge thoroughbreds.

They arrived from all over Worcestershire and beyond for the ride over farmland from Upton Snodsbury on Sunday.

There were optional cross country jumps of various types and sizes, which were tackled with enthusiasm by riders of all ages, although their steeds were not always so keen.

At the end of the ride, there were rosettes to be won when those with energy to spare entered the clear round show jumping, with jumps set to the height of their choice.

"It was a superb day, with the first riders leaving just before 10am and everyone home by late afternoon," said parents' association chairman Julia Tyrrell.

After expenses, the event is expected to have made about £1,100, which will go directly to benefit the children.

Pictures of the event will be available on the website www.actionshots.org.uk from this weekend.

Anyone wishing to be notified of future Croome fun rides and events can e-mail their details to ap.pr@tiscali

.co.uk to be included in the mailing list.