Beautiful autumn sunshine accompanied almost 40 riders on the Tenby and Saundersfoot Lions Club sponsored horse ride at Lydstep recently. Entrants from as far afield as Swansea and Fishguard, as well as a regular contingent of local riders, all enjoyed taking their steeds over a varied cross country course, including local bridal paths in the lovely local countryside of Penally, St. Florence and Manorbier parishes.

This event has continued to be one of the club's most successful events over the years and has raised many thousands of pounds for charitable causes, thanks to all those riders who have continued to support it.

None of this would have been possible without the kind help and permission of the farmers and landowners who enable the club to put this event on every year, namely: Mrs. D. Mathias, Norchard Farm; Mr. and Mrs. G. L. Mathias, Summerton Farm; Mr. and Mrs. P. Mathias, Shipping Hill Farm; Mrs. H. Williams, East Tarr Farm; Mr. J. Joseph, Roberts Wall Farm; and Mr. and Mrs. B. Thomas, Carswell Farm.

"Thank you also to the cadets of 1284 Tenby Air Training Corps for their help in marshalling of the event, logistical support with the tent and first aid and helping with the injured riders on the day, who have made a full recovery - we would not have managed without you all," said a spokesperson. " And thanks again to the Tenby Radio Repeater Group whose communications support over the course by their members ensured that things ran smoothly and that the ambulance attendance quickly sorted out the injured riders; thank you for all your help since we started this event.

"Also to our faithful judges Henry and Rose Davies, who have never let us down."

Lion president Peter Wilton, meanwhile, would like to thank all those who took part and said that the club hoped to see them all again next year when the next sponsored horse ride would be in September 2009.

He was delighted to present the following people with their awards on the day:

Charlotte Evans - highest sponsored rider, again! This young lady is becoming a veteran at this event on Kodak.

Tia Cullerton - second highest sponsored rider, riding Pepper, out with mum Kim, another regular.

Best horse and rider turned out was Mr. D. G. Williams. Second place best turned out horse and rider was S. Nicholas on horse Sailly.

First place best turned out pony and rider was local girl C. Jenkins on horse Spud. Second place best turned out pony and rider was J. Brutnell on pony Pip.