RIDERS and their horses raised £1,400 for charity when they enjoyed a day of show jumping at Hillview Arena, Hanley Swan.

More than 50 riders took part in the event organised by yard owner Sophie Hooper, her mother Mary and two sons William and Oliver.

The family pulled together, along with livery yard clients, to run the event in aid of Parkinson's UK, a charity close to their hearts.

"My dad Charles Hooper suffered with Parkinson's for many years and we wanted to raise money and awareness in memory of dad," said Sophie.

"Not everyone is aware of the symptoms of Parkinson's. Sometimes suffers can, for example, look drunk. That can often make it very uncomfortable for suffers and their families to go out and about."

Sophie obtained sponsorship from local companies and organisations for the show, which meant class winners enjoyed trophies, rosettes and prizes. There was also a raffle which helped top up the amount raised.

"I would like to thank all our sponsors but also all the Hillview liveries who helped on the day. It was a real team effort," she added.

Sarah Wakeman of Parkinson's UK said the money raised funds will allow the charity to continue with vital research work to find a cure and improve the lives of the 145,000 people in the UK affected by Parkinson's.

“We are so grateful to Sophie and everyone at Hillview Arena for their incredible donation. We totally rely on the generosity of the public and support like this is vital to Parkinson’s UK to help us find that much needed cure and support people with the condition,” she said.

"Every 30 minutes, someone in the UK is told they have Parkinson’s – a brain condition that turns lives upside down, leaving a future full of uncertainty. Parkinson’s UK is here to make sure people have whatever they need to take back control – from information to inspiration."