A FUNDRAISING steeplechase with a difference is all set for a return visit to Wetherby racecourse next month.

The 2006 Mascot Steeplechase

Yorkshire Young Farmers and Manorlands Hospice have announced that the Great North Mascot Steeplechase will once again be held at the racecourse on 29 April - and local mascots are being encouraged to turn out in force.

Last year 66 mascots took part in the inaugural event. Competitors including Lucas the Kop Cat, (Leeds United) and Lamby and Beefy (from the TV adverts) ran the 220 yard race and jumped, stumbled and fell over the five fences to the entertainment of the 8,000 Wetherby race crowd.

There was also a large contingent of local mascots as the idea for the event was conceived by members of the Craven District branch of Young Farmers Clubs.

Last year's event raised over £13,000 for charities and the Manorlands Sue Ryder Care Fundraiser Andrew Wood is delighted that the Young Farmers have chosen to work with Sue Ryder Care as the main charity in this year's spectacular.

"Our organization provides specialist palliative and neurological care through a network of hospices and care centers throughout the UK, and we rely on active and innovative organizations such as the Young Farmers to help us raise the thirteen million pounds we need to provide our services".

we rely on active and innovative organizations such as the Young Farmers to help us raise the thirteen million pounds we need

Andrew Wood - Manorlands Hospice

As Craven District Young Farmers Club member Laura Moore explained, the organisers are hoping that the 2007 race will cement the day's reputation as the world's premier mascot event.

"We have just secured sponsorship for the event from Harrogate based Sky bet. This, along with the fact that footage of the race can be seen by logging onto www.youtube.com and searching for 'YFYFC Mascot Race' will help us to attract more mascots.

"We are especially keen to pick up any additional local mascots that we didn't manage to get last year and are delighted that Skipton Building Society's Marvin the Monkey has already signed up this great day out."

Whilst the mascot race will be one of the highlights of Wetherby's "Family Day" there will also be a full race programme, a funfair and many other attractions.

Any mascots interested should contact Andrew Wood on 01535 640432 or email Andrew.Wood@suerydercare.org