DESPITE Storm Callum's best efforts, more than 50 riders turned out for a charity event at Crooklands hailed "a big success" by organisers.

The 12-mile and 16-mile rides on quiet lanes and bridleways around Westmorland County Showground went ahead as planned, with just a last-minute diversion to avoid a flooded ford.

More than £1,000 was raised for the Cumbria Bridleways Society and the North Lancashire Bridleways Society, which arranged the event, and the Rosemere Cancer Foundation.

The winners of a novelty fancy-dress treasure hunt for lead rein competitors were eight-year-old Jacob Doidge, of Kendal, costumed as a knight in shining armour and riding Jack; and four-year-old Peter Butler, of Broughton-in-Furness, riding Royal and dressed as Action Man.

"The whole event has been a big success," said Bridget Pickthall, who chairs Cumbria Bridleways Society.

"We did have to make a last-minute diversion to avoid the flooded ford across St Sunday's Beck at Halfpenny. It was just too deep and fast-flowing to safely take horses through. But that didn’t detract from the ride and everyone had a great time."

Eve Hall, chair of the North Lancashire society, added: "It’s been a real team effort. It could not have gone ahead without all our brilliant volunteer marshals, the goodwill of local landowners who gave permission for us to cross their fields and to Westmorland County Agricultural Society for letting us have use of the showground for parking."

All riders took home a Rosemere rosette, presented by the charity's Julie Hesmondhalgh, south Cumbria and north Lancashire area fundraising co-ordinator.

She said: "Our thanks go to everyone involved in this event, the organisation of which was no mean feat. We are also very grateful to the Crooklands Hotel and Kendal’s Asda and Morrisons supermarkets, which donated our refreshments. It was great to see so many people out together on horseback.”