RACING favourite Desert Orchid romped into Rossendale as part of a church charity day.

The famous racehorse, who won the Cheltenham Gold Cup as well as a host of other titles during his racing days, was guest of honour at the Royal Jubilee Duck Derby at St James-the-Less RC Church, Rawtenstall, on Sunday.

The event raised money for the church's tower restoration fund. Work is due to start on the £30,000 project later this year.

Parish Priest Father David Lupton, who famously married Manchester United footballer Phil Neville to local girl Julie Killelea in a celebrity wedding at the Burnley Road church, said: "The Duck Derby is always a very popular event and this year it's a great way for everyone to celebrate the Royal Jubilee.

"Desert Orchid's appearance had been in doubt but fortunately it has been sponsored by a local firm Artex Construction and obviously we are grateful to them and really excited to have Dessie here with us.

"He is a legend in racing."

Along with the Dessie's appearance and the duck races entertainment included maypole dancing, a football tournament, children's rides, face painting, a tombola and other stalls.