SHOWJUMPING horses dazzled audiences at this year’s Bicester and Finmere Show.

Visitors flocked to the 54th annual event to raise funds to support those with spinal cord injuries.

Members of the British Tentpegging Association mounted horses with swords and lances while jockeys took part in high jump competitions.

Ellie Ayris, from Ambrosden, attended the show with grandmother Mandi Laver.

The nine-year-old said: “My favourite bit was probably when they were doing the last part of the jumping at the end of the day because I found that part quite interesting when they kept making the bars higher for the horses to jump.”

The event at Bicester Showground, in Buckingham Road, was held in aid of charities The Back Up Trust and Spinal Research between 9am and 5pm.

Launched in 1960 by a group of the town’s businessmen, the show was initially to raise funds for 17-year-old Sally Haynes who was paralysed after a riding accident.

More than £580,000 has been donated to the charities to date.

The weekend fundraiser featured a number of attractions including a dog show, arts and crafts marquee, donkey rides and fairground.

The Bletchingdon Silver Band also performed to visitors. Chairman of the organising committee Derek Ricketts said: “It went well considering the weather. It was a very mixed day of sunshine and showers.

“The general public was down a lot because of the weather but everything was really good and the visitors who came, I think really enjoyed it.”

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