An annual mascot race that was the brainchild of a Manorlands fundraiser is on firm ground for at least another three years.

International financial services organisation Foresters, which has been the event’s main sponsor since 2009, has signed up to maintain its support.

The three-year deal includes this year’s race, on April 13.

“We’re delighted to have secured the continued sponsorship,” said Andrew Wood, of the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice, who initiated the Mascot Gold Cup event and is still involved in organising it.

“This allows us to think long-term and hopefully grow the race even larger than ever.”

Since the event was first held in 2006, it has become the world’s largest mascot race, and has raised more than £110,000 for good causes, with the bulk of the cash going to the Sue Ryder charity.

Last year, the extravaganza – held at Wetherby racecourse – attracted 90 entrants.

And news of the latest sponsorship deal coincides with the launch of recruitment for this year’s event.

Steve Dilworth, for Foresters, said: “We are proud to be able to sponsor the Mascot Gold Cup and provide further support through our member volunteers, who are a great help with fundraising and organising on the day of the event.

“The race is always full of fun, and it is wonderful to see so many participants and families out enjoying themselves.

“We are very much looking forward to this year’s event and seeing the mascots battle it out in a bid to win the race and help raise much-needed funds for Sue Ryder and the other charities the day supports.”

The event will begin with the traditional mascot parade.

Presentations will be made to the ‘best in parade’ and to the top entry on the day’s theme of the Tour de France Grand Depart Yorkshire 2014, and a Mascot of the Year award – sponsored by JCT600 – will be given for outstanding community work.

During the race itself, the mascots – subjected to a handicapping system dependant on their size – have to negotiate six fences.

Visit mascotgoldcup.org.uk for more information and to view footage of last year’s race.

E-mail andrew.wood@suery der.org for further information about how to enter or to make a nomination for the Mascot of the Year award.