The Middleham Stables Open Day will again take centre stage next year – as organisers handed over £14,000 in charity cheques raised from the annual tour of racing yards.

The event, perennially threatened by the possibility of racing being introduced on Good Friday, has been given the green light for 2011 with beneficiaries including Racing Welfare, Great North Air Ambulance and Middleham Primary School.

It provides an opportunity to look round some of England’s top racing stables, including those of Mark Johnston, Ben Haslam, Jedd O’Keeffe and Micky Hammond.

Gary Verity, the chief executive of Welcome To Yorkshire, handed over cheques to the local charities and organisations at the Middleham Key Centre last week.

He said: “It was a fabulous day out and the total raised for local charities by those who attended is a fantastic achievement. Long may Middleham Stables continue to open its doors to visitors, contribute significantly to Yorkshire’s racing heritage and support the local community.”

Judith Brickwood, one of the organisers of the open event, said: “The £14,000 raised represents a great achievement on the part of so many people, including the trainers, the loyal staff at the Key Centre and the thousands of people who ensured the day was a success.”

The next open day will be held on Good Friday, April 22, 2011.