A fancy-dress horse ride on Boxing Day will be raising charity cash to help cancer victims.

Riders will be parading their horses and ponies through South Ockendon in the event which is being sponsored by Harris Van Centre of London Road, West Thurrock.

They will be leaving Grange Farm at 11am and walking along Mollands Lane and South Road to finish up at the Royal Oak pub on The Green.

Harris Van Centre will be providing trophies for the winners of five different fancy-dress competition classes and the entries will be judged by the landlord of the Royal Oak.

The company will also be supplying a support vehicle equipped with with refreshments and rosettes and programmes to everyone taking part.

Van centre manager, Maryann Peters, said: "Christmas is a time for family and this event promises to be a fun-packed day for everyone.

"We were particularly interested in sponsoring the event and taking part as it is in aid of such a worthwhile cause."

Maryann will be entering her Shetland pony, Trixy, dressed as Cinderella, and her three-year-old daughter, Michaella, dressed as a Christmas fairy.

Participants are paying a £5 entry fee and all the money raised will to the Elizabeth Loury Cancer Ward at Southend Hospital.

There is still time to enter. Anyone wanting to join the parade can contact Maryann on 07808 888961 for further details.

Published Monday December 17, 2001