DIFFICULT YEAR FOR HORSE TRUST

The trust, based at Hempstead Farm in Uckfield, had obtained the necessary permit to raise funds with the equines in public but three days before the event the district council insisted that insurance cover should be doubled to 5m.

It took insurers six weeks to provide the necessary paperwork, during which time the trust was unable to raise cash in other towns for which it had already acquired permits.

Pauline Grant, of the trust, said: "The previous year our supporter Jane Warrener, assisted by friends and family, had raised 743 at the Horsham venue but we had to cancel it this year. Fundraiser Joan Eder bravely attended Crawley without animals but only raised 48.20, which shows what a difference it makes taking the equines along.

"We will be back out in the towns with our ponies and donkeys in 2008, for the money they raise is vital in helping keep our work at Hempstead Farm going."

For full feature and details of how you can help the trust, see West Sussex Gazette September 12