MASCOTS are under starter's orders for a charity fundraiser.

A launch was held in Keighley for the 15th Sue Ryder Mascot Gold Cup, sponsored by Poundland.

Several race regulars gathered at the town's Poundland store to begin the countdown to this year's event – and appeal for more mascots to come forward.

Following a two-year break due to the pandemic, the race – the biggest event of its kind in the world – returns on Sunday, April 24.

It takes place at Wetherby Racecourse as part of a family race day.

Participants can use their own mascot or 'adopt' one.

Since its inception, the event has raised over £320,000 – half of which has gone to Sue Ryder, which runs Manorlands at Oxenhope, and the remainder to other charities.

As well as taking part in the race, entrants also join a 'mascot parade'.

Sue Ryder event lead, Lindsey McManus, said: "This is a larger-than-life race and we’re thrilled to have a huge national retailer like Poundland on board to help us bring in a big field of participants. We still have some mascots left to adopt and run with for the day."

For more details and to enter, visit sueryder.org/mascotgoldcup.