The Diggle diamonds!

Peter with Bryn

50-mile trek for Peter and Bryn
A dedicated horseman has completed a gruelling 50-mile ride in 12 hours to raise funds for a pensioners’ treat.

Peter Carter set off from Diggle on his horse, Bryn, a 20-year-old Welsh cob, travelling along bridle paths and country lanes in a circuit that took in Hebden Bridge.

And the 68-year-old horseman is hoping his sponsored efforts will raise more than £700 to ensure members of the Diggle Diamonds can enjoy a day trip.

The Diamonds’ chairman, Mike Hall, praised Peter’s marathon trek, adding: “We have lots of fund-raising initiatives but Peter’s was the main sponsored event this year.

“It’s the second time he’s performed this trek, both over courses of 50 miles, and not something that is tried by very many horse people.”

Peter, who is a part-time drawing and painting teacher at Oldham’s Lifelong Learning Centre, said: “The Diggle Diamonds do a terrific job in the community.

“I moved to Diggle 20 years ago and love the village and its people. I received massive support on the journey from them and my family, who came along to offer encouragement and back-up on the day.

“But the real efforts are all down to my horse, Bryn. Luckily, it was a perfect day for the ride and there were no problems.

“Bryn loves the ride. I regularly take Bryn on 20-mile rides, he is a very strong horse. Treks like this come as second nature to the breed.

“I had a few aches and pains the following day but Bryn was in absolutely fine shape.”

The Diggle Diamonds has been run by its present committee for more than 21 years.

Mr Hall said: “The money we raise enables us to organise big day trip out every year.”

Recently, they took more than 80 members to Grange-over-Sands for lunch and dinner. And plans are under way for a Christmas party to be staged at Kilngreen, where the committee prepare and serve a three-course meal.