A TASTE of the Grand National will be brought to Colchester as a hard-working charity prepares for its first annual pantomime horse race.

Age Concern Colchester has kick-started a campaign, supported by the Gazette, to challenge people to think about old age in a different way.

The charity is hoping to raise funds and awareness for its cause, under the careful leadership of chief executive Jonathan Moore.

Mr Moore has announced Colchester’s first pantomime horse race, titled Auld Nag’s Folly and sponsored by Fisher Jones Greenwood.

Fundraisers, charities and businesses are urged to come together for the unique event, which will see two willing participants don a pantomime horse costume for a series of races down the High Street.

Mr Moore said: “Often old age is seen as a curse when actually it can be a gift.

“It can be a long life and it is about how you are going to use that time.

“In Colchester alone, one in four of the population will be aged 60 or over in just ten years.

“As panto horses usually only appear for a brief time in the depths of winter and are often viewed as dusty, tired props of the theatre, it is appropriate for Age Concern Colchester to try to give life and energy to these props, as it does for the people it works for.

“We would like this to become a memorable community annual event in Colchester.”

Held on September 17, the event will be a buzz of activity with stalls, sideshows and competitions held throughout the day.

Mr Moore is encouraging schools, businesses, pubs, clubs and residents to take up the challenge and enter a horse in the races.

From 9.30am the street will be closed while the course is built and stalls are raised, before the official opening ceremony at 11am.

A parade of the horses taking part will then take place, before a series of six races kicks off at 11.30am.

A closing ceremony will be held at 2.45pm and an after-race party will close out the event in style from 6pm.

Mr Moore said: “We are seeking charities to have stalls along the High Street.

“Charities can also enter a horse.

“This can be Colchester’s first quirky Grand National, a community day to promote, enjoy and fundraise for older people in the town.

“We want to raise awareness of the role of Age Concern Colchester and build partnerships with businesses and charities in the area.”

To request an entry form to enter a horse in the races, contact Mr Moore at jonathan.moore@ageconcerncolchester.org.uk or on 01206 368420.