PUNTERS have the chance to go behind the scenes when the ever-popular Middleham Stables Open Event is held on Good Friday.

The successful training yards of Middleham will be thrown open on March 21. Last year more than 7,000 people attended and more than £20,000 was raised for local charities.

The Middleham Stables Open Event presents a unique opportunity to visit some of England's top racing stables.

James Bethell, chairman of the Middleham Trainers Association, said: "Horse racing has been at the heart of Middleham since the 18th century when race meetings were held on the High Moor and today the town accommodates 17 of England's flat and national hunt trainers with over 500 horses in training.

"The open event provides an opportunity to meet the winners and to talk to the trainers, jockeys and stable hands. There will also be a country fair, trade stands, market stalls and a farrier will be demonstrating his skills. It is a great deal for Middleham - and it also raises a tremendous amount of money for charity."

The yards will be open from 9.30am to 1pm, apart from George and Anne Duffield's yard, which is open from noon to 4pm.

Free parking is available in Middleham or nearby Leyburn, with bus links between car parks and the outlying stables. Admission is £6 in advance for adults or £7 at the gate. Children under 12 are admitted free. The Duffields are not on the bus route.

The Wensleydale Railway is putting on a special early train on the timetable for the Stables Open Day on Good Friday, departing from Leeming Bar at 8.35am, Bedale 8.41am, Finghall 8.59am and arriving Leyburn at 9.14pm. Buses will then run to Middleham.

The trainers opening their doors are Bethell, Karl Burke, the Duffields, Chris Fairhurst, Micky Hammond, Patrick Haslam, Mark Johnston, Kate Milligan, George Moore, Paul Murphy, Jedd O'Keeffe, Bill Ratcliffe, Chris Thornton, Kate Walton and John Weymes.