PARENTS and supporters of the First Steps Pre-school at Easton Royal brought the thrills of the racetrack to the village for a fundraising event at the village hall last Saturday.

More than 50 people attended the race night. Before the racing commenced, using sealed films of actual races, the runners were sold to the highest bidder by auctioneer Charles Lucas of Dreweatt Neate.

There was a tote and during the interval fish and chips were cooked in the car park by P&G Catering from Swindon.

Pre-school chairman Melanie Cooper said Lloyds TSB branch in Newbury has promised to match the proceeds on the night pound for pound up to £500.

The event produced £545, and with the sponsorship from the bank the committee stands to collect a total of £1,045.