THIRTY tinsel wearing riders and walkers dressed as elves, fairies and kings raised £347 for the CREAMER Fund in the Great Bardfield Christmas Charity Ride on Sunday (December 3). The event, now in its ninth year, started when Carey Wickes and Marjorie Pa

THIRTY tinsel wearing riders and walkers dressed as elves, fairies and kings raised £347 for the CREAMER Fund in the Great Bardfield Christmas Charity Ride on Sunday (December 3).

The event, now in its ninth year, started when Carey Wickes and Marjorie Paulyn decided to go for a ride through the village with tinsel on their hats, saddles and reins.

It is now an annual event that raises cash for the CREAMER fund to buy medical equipment for the Hildrey Cutts & Shaw & Meakin Practice in Finchingfield. Equipment includes plasters, probes and pags for electronic analysis machines.

Riders set off from Beslyn's Farm, through the puddles after a morning of torrential rain and ended up at the green by Mill Close.

There they paraded in front of David Murray, owner of Clip Clops Saddlery, who awarded prizes to the best dressed horse and the rider who raised the most money.

Stacey Gibson, who was on her horse Blizzard, was presented with a £20 voucher to spend in Clip Clops Saddlery for raising more than £80 in sponsorship.

Alice Oakley and her horse, Hetty, from Redfants Livery, were awarded rosettes and chocolates supplied by Wickes Air Services for being the best dressed on the day.

Mrs Wickes said: "It was fantastic that the sun came out after it had rained so heavily all morning.

"I have to say a big thank you to everyone who turned out to take part and support us, and our sponsors."

Dawn Dollimore, committee member at The CREAMER Fund, said: "The riders looked lovely and they did so well to collect so much money and it is gratefully received.

"Our thanks go to everyone who took part and help earn this amount for us."

Anyone wanting to fund-raise should call Lesley Grave on 01371 810711.