The Cotswold Hunt has raised £1,000 for the County Air Ambulance HELP Appeal.

The money was raised during the annual Cotswold Team Chase event, which saw hundreds of spectators watch teams of horses and riders race across the countryside.

The cheque was presented by Rosie Vestey to Michael Henriques, chairman of the County Air Ambulance HELP Appeal, the only charity in the country dedicated to funding NHS hospital helipads.

The chase, which has been running for more than 40 years, attracts riders from across the UK, all competing for a place at the British Team Chase National Finals.

The event saw about 100 teams (400 riders) competing on the first day, and about 60 teams (240 riders) competing on the second day.

Tamara Fox said: "We are so proud to support the County Air Ambulance HELP Appeal – it is such an excellent service for us riders.

"Through the emergency helipads they fund, they help to enable rapid, lifesaving treatment at hospital when we need it and we are immensely grateful for everything they do."

The event also included a mini championship for children over six years old.

Ms Fox said: "We created our Mini event a few years ago.

"A lot of events for children are just across a couple of fields, however our Mini team chase is across six or seven fields, so it really is a great opportunity to start teaching younger riders how to navigate courses."

Michael Henriques, chairman of the appeal, said: "We are incredibly grateful to receive this generous £1,000 donation.

"This contribution will play a vital role in supporting our lifesaving mission to build NHS hospital helipads wherever they are needed across the country.

"With your help, we are one step closer to achieving this.

"Thank you for your continued support and for helping us make a difference."

NHS hospital helipads, which are supported by the appeal, are a link between air ambulances and hospital emergency departments.

To date, the HELP Appeal has funded 50 hospital helipads across the country, which have supported more than 29,000 landings, with another 50 in the pipeline.