The Gazette appeal to build a rehabilitation centre for wounded soldiers is £500 closer to becoming a reality thanks to 11-year-old horse rider Rosie Andre, of Winterbourne Monkton.

She was one of 600 people taking part in the first Horse 4 Heroes event at Windsor Great Park, which ended in a canter down the last furlong of Ascot racecourse.

Her mum, Alison Andre, said: “Rosie absolutely loved the whole day, and it was a fantastic experience for her to ride on the Ascot course.

“It was an excellent event, and I think they just wanted to get as many people there to take part as possible.”

Rosie, who will start at St John’s School in Marlborough in September, has been riding at Pewsey Vale Riding Centre since she was four, and was delighted to raise money for a cause she knows so much about.

Mrs Andre said: “I am a police chaplain in Wootton Bassett so I go to the majority of the repatriations there.

“Rosie has been to one or two with me and so we just wanted to do something as a family to raise money for Help For Heroes.”

Mrs Andre thanked Amy Vickers, who lent the horse Winston to Rosie when there were problems with the horse she planned to take.

There were thanks also to another rider, Katie Read, who provided transport. The whole family travelled to Windsor to watch the event, which they hope Rosie will be able to take part in again next year.

Rosie’s brother Martin has also been helping the cause, and recently raised just over £400 on a sponsored walk.