A PAIR of dynamic fundraisers have donated more than £2,000 to the mayor's charity... by taking part in an exhausting 220-mile horse and cart trek to mark the annual Appleby horse fair.

Alistair Mitchell, owner of Musbury Fabrics, Holcombe Road, Helmshore, and neighbour Tony Alderson, both of Stacksteads, took part in the 12-day trek with the help of horses Jimmy and Mickey.

The travelled 20 miles a day in a traditional Bow Top gypsy caravan venturing from Accrington through Great Harwood, Clitheroe, Sawley, Westmill, Skipton, Devils Bridge and Kirkby Steven before arriving at Appleby for the annual event.

Alistair bought the custom-made caravan last year and with it being his first attempt at travelling such a distance he said he felt "exhilarated" by the experience. Alistair and Tony raised £1,600 before the trip but managed to gather an extra £400 for their efforts.

Employees at Musbury fabrics, customers and suppliers have all chipped in to help raise funds for the mayor's charity.

And Alistair will be making an official presentation to the former Mayor, Jimmy Eaton at his farm in Stacksteads.

Alistair, whose company donated T-shirts for the mayor's charity triatholon, said: "It took us 12 days to travel the distance, which we are very proud of. It was a fabulous experience and I would recommend it to anybody.

"We are delighted that the trip managed to raise so much money for the charity appeal."

"Jimmy's fundraising efforts have been non-stop."