IF a charity puts all its time and effort into helping the oldest people in our society, you could understand if some of its ideas come off a little old fashioned.

But Age Concern Colchester is bucking the trend, organising possibly the most weird and wonderful fundraising event the town has ever seen.

For the second time, the charity is preparing to host its own take on the Grand National.

Representatives from a range of charities and organisations will dress up in a colourful array of pantomime horse outfits before racing along Colchester High Street.

Organisations including Colchester Foodback, the Samaritans, Colchester’s four rotary clubs, Essex Fire Service and the Alzheimer’s Society will put forward two willing racers.

They will all willingly put on a ridiculous show for a good cause.

Started last year as a fundraiser which went on to raise thousands of pounds for Age Concern Colchester, the motivation was to get people thinking about old age in a different way while organising a quirky day of fun for the town.

This year there is a twist, with competitors permitted to raise cash for any cause they wish - so long as they enter a horse.

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Simon Prestney, chief executive of Age Concern Colchester, has set a fundraising target of £10,000 for Age Concern Colchester ahead of the race.

In a direct message to potential competitors, Mr Prestney said: “I would say don’t miss out on this - it is a really good chance to raise some money for a cause you really care about.

“If you haven’t got a pantomime horse or can’t make one, we have invested in some horses that can be used.

“We wanted to embed this as an annual event. We are trying to make it a day for all charities in Colchester to benefit from.

“It is really about the performance and entertainment, we will have theatrical and dance groups there to put on shows too.

“You put in £32 for the horse and we give you the £30 booking charge back, all we ask is you advise us afterwards how much was raised for the charity.

“We are hoping for people to take this chance to see how much they can raise for a cause close to their heart.”

Taking place on Sunday, September 23, the event will kick off at 11am with a parade of the pantomime horses followed shortly by the first race along a 40m stretch of the High Street.

Colchester High Street will be shut to traffic through to the town hall between 4am and 5pm, making way for the race course.

There will be stalls when Colchester market opens especially for the event and a fire engine from Essex Fire Service will be available to tour.

A champagne tent will be operating to cater to those wanting a bit more of the Royal Ascot experience.

Competitors can sign up online and are urged to sponsor their horse and raise money amongst, colleagues, friends and supporters for a cause close to their heart.

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Lanswood Property Development are the main sponsors of the event, with managing director Darin Shaikly set to ride Lucky Lanswood to glory in the races.

He said: “I am front negotiating with staff as to who is the rear.

“We’re really proud to support a charity who are looking after and helping people in their later years.

“I’ve spoken to volunteers and customers of Age Concern and feel that the services offered are inspirational and very well-received.

“This will be great fun and will have a fantastic community feel.

“All businesses should look at themselves and evaluate giving to or helping their community.”

He will be joined by organisations including Culver Square Shopping Centre, whose manager Dave Robertson managed to raise an impressive £600 for the charity last year.

Mr Prestney hopes the event will draw attention to Age Concern’s advice and befriending services for the elderly in Colchester.

The charity’s advice centre offers guidance and help for a range of issues involving housing, care, financial difficulties and mobility.

It also runs a befriending service where people are matched up with volunteers who meet with them on a daily basis.

Mr Prestney says five per cent of adults in Colchester have declared themselves as ‘often being lonely’.

The irony of an increasingly digitally connected world is that social isolation and loneliness are on the rise, an increasing problem for those in all age groups.

This has not gone unnoticed by Age Concern Colchester.

“The largest issue is by a margin loneliness,” said Mr Prestney.

“Our befriending service and social activities are put in place to encourage social interaction and tackle loneliness and isolation.”

He adds: “Our main mission is to empower Colchester’s community to live better in later life.

“More than this, it is to come to the aid of pensioners in some desperate situations - particularly those who are struggling under the stress of debt, ill-health and loneliness.

“Over the next five years, there is going to be a significant increase in older people with care needs in this region of Colchester alone.”

Age Concern Colchester is operating from its new centre in North Hill, where it will host a range of activities.

It is hoped the site will serve as a meeting place, with clubs include gardening, beading and knitting set to be hosted.

But the charity’s main event of the year remains the Pantomime Horse Derby Day, with thrills and spills expected once again.

Mr Prestney said: “We are keen to make sure our big fundraiser gets even bigger.”

To sign up your horse, find out more about crafting one, or to enquire about using a horse, visit ageconcerncolchester.org.uk.