FIVE keen horse riders trekked across West Devon as part of a fundraising ride for Children's Hospice South West. The riders — James and Lavinia Crouch, Deborah Kivell, Paul Richards and trip organiser Michael Bickell — set off from Fremington, near Barnstaple, travelling via Instow beach and the Tarka Trail to their overnight stay.

The following day they crossed West Devon in steady, heavy rain to their next stay in Lifton. That evening a supportive audience enjoyed fundraising entertainment from the Original Plonkers at Lifton Strawberry Fields.

The riders were joined by fellow rider Teri Swift, the next day riding to Launceston for several pit-stops and a coffee morning before heading to Bodmin Moor and riding down to St Austell to arrive at Children's Hospice South West's Little Harbour hospice.

The riders were greeted by Judy Pride and her colleagues at CHSW and were given a tour of the new hospice nearing completion.

A total of £5,079 was raised and Michael and fellow riders expressed thanks to everyone who supported them on their journey and to all who donated.

LEFT: Judy Pride of CHSW is pictured receiving the cheque from the six riders.