PONTISPOOL Equestrian Centre is supporting Devon Air Ambulance at its forthcoming BE Horse Trials.

The competition takes place over three days, from Saturday to Monday, May 26-28, and on the Saturday all money collected on the gate will be donated to the charity.

Last year Devon Air Ambulance celebrated its 25th anniversary, as well as flying its 25,000th lifesaving mission. It is now flying up to 17 hours a day, including into the hours of darkness – this year has seen a further extension of flying hours, now until 2am.

Devon has two air ambulances, one in Exeter and the other in North Devon. Last year it cost £6.4 million to keep both aircraft flying and every penny is raised or donated by the community, businesses and friends of Devon.

Horse trials organiser Richard Mitford-Slade said: “The Devon Air Ambulance is an invaluable service that saves lives. We are delighted to offer our gate money on the Saturday to the charity and hope that visitors and competitors will give generously to such a worthwhile cause.”

Pontispool Horse Trials is renowned for the calibre of competitors it attracts and among this year’s riders are the 2018 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials winner Jonelle Price. Devon-based Padraig McCarthy, who finished eight with Mr Chunky, is also in action.

Richard said: “The horse trials is a great opportunity to watch top class riders in action. We have a full three days of competition and we’re very much looking forward to welcoming competitors and spectators alike.”