RACING fans and the simply curious turned up in their thousands yesterday to get a glimpse behind the scenes of the sport of kings.

Middleham, in the Yorkshire Dales, is at the heart of the racing industry and is home to many of the country's leading stables.

And Good Friday has become the traditional day when they throw open their gates to the general public to raise funds for good causes.

Yesterday, thousands took advantage of the good weather to descend on the village, where more than 500 of the country's finest racehorses were on show.

They picked their way through the yards, both National Hunt and for the flat, and met the trainers, who were on hand to explain their work, together with jockeys and stable lads.

Horse racing has been at the heart of Middleham since the 18th Century when race meetings used to be held on the High Moor. Nowadays, the village accommodates 17 top trainers and their yards.

Other attractions yesterday included a country fair, market and trade stalls and a farrier demonstrating his skills.

The event was raising money for the Middle Key Centre and other local charities. Last year, more than £17,000 was raised for local good causes.