More than 70 cuddly characters from across the UK took part in the Manorlands Mascot Gold Cup.

Sunday’s event – at Wetherby racecourse – raised about £15,000 for Sue Ryder, which runs the Oxenhope hospice, and a further £5,000 for other causes.

Prior to the race, a traditional mascot parade was held.

Contenders were led into the parade ring by Marley, a mascot on a bike representing All Terrain Cycles, sponsor of this year’s Grand Depart Yorkshire theme.

The ‘best mascot’ accolade went to Kieran, from the Kier Group, with Mr and Mrs Pig from Morrisons’ marketing team runners-up.

Two mascots from STRI at Harden were awarded a trophy for the best on the Grand Depart theme.

A prize for most funds raised for Sue Ryder went to Keelham Farm Shop, which had coined in £2,600.

And the prestigious JCT600-sponsored UK Mascot of the Year award was presented to Mintie and Melony, from Birmingham social enterprise More Mascots Please.

The race itself was won by Hero Bear, from Help for Heroes, with Berry Bear from the FA Women’s Super League second. Third spot was taken by Freddie the Fox from the Green Deal Factory in Bingley, Stanley the Stag from Stockeld Park was fourth and Cliff the Castle – from Fenetic Wellbeing Ltd in Keighley – fifth.

Event organiser Andrew Wood, a Manorlands-based Sue Ryder regional fundraiser, said the day was a massive success.

He added: “I’d like to say a big thank you to all who continue to make this event possible.

“This includes the fantastic team at Wetherby races, Foresters our main sponsor, our fence and awards sponsors and of course all of the mascots and volunteers that make it possible.

“The event has grown each year to be the largest of its type in the world, and eight years on since we thought this up it is staggering to think that over £125,000 has been raised for good causes such as Sue Ryder, which provides incredible care for people with serious illnesses.”