A CHARITY that re-homes former racehorses will open its doors to the public later this month.

Greatwood has rescued and rehabilitated more than 70 horses since moving to at Rainscombe Hill Farm, near Marlborough, two years ago and now the animals now face an assured future.

Volunteers are busy making preparations for this year's Countryside Day on August 29 when people see the yard where the horses were kept.

Last year, more than 4,000 people visited.

At 12.15pm, Channel 4's betting pundit John McCririck, who is also a patron of Greatwood, will officially open the yard .

Attractions will include a parade of beagles, the Tedworth Hounds, the Southern Shires Bloodhounds, a fun dog show, ferret racing, helicopter rides and model helicopter stunt show.

There will also be a parade of re-homed horses.

Former jockey and broadcaster Luke Harvey will provide commentary.

His former colleagues, Tony McCoy and Carl Llewellyn, will be taking part in a celebrity trainers v jockeys six-a-side football match.

Entry is £10 a car and Rainscombe Hill Farm is located on the A345 two miles south of Marlborough.