MEMBERS of Wolverley and District Driving Club and carriage driving enthusiasts gathered in tribute to equine casualties in the First World War.

Club members and enthusiasts from Herefordshire, Somerset and Leicestershire harnessed their horses and ponies to their carriages for a drive in Wyre Forest in tribute on Sunday, November 1.

Working with the support of the Forestry Commission staff and the Royal British Legion, a total of 14 carriages spent the day driving around the tracks and trails to raise public awareness of the sacrifice that was made and to encourage support the annual Legion Poppy Appeal.

Giselle Lockett, chair of the Wolverley and District Driving Club, worked with a number of members to provide a fitting tribute and an insight into what carriage driving offers.

She said: “This was a great opportunity for our members to pay tribute to both the human and equine sacrifices that have been made to ensure we can live in peace.

“We also wanted to do something for a really worthwhile cause and raising more than £250 for the Poppy Appeal made all the effort worthwhile.”

Nigel Caldicott, club and legion member, added: “We are really grateful for the tremendous support we have had from everyone involved in what was a really successful and enjoyable event.

“The weather was on our side and the venue was just right for what we set out to achieve.”

The club is on the lookout for new members and more information can be found at wolverleydriving.co.uk.