GOOD causes benefited from a £17,000 hand-out after racing stables opened their gates to the public.
MP William Hague, who represents Richmond, presented cheques to eight local charities from money raised during the Middleham stables open day.
More than 7,000 visitors came to the annual event on Good Friday.
Mr Hague said: "People were made extremely welcome to see this fascinating insight into the racing industry and the town itself.
"An added side effect is the enormous amount of money raised in one day and that is then distributed within the local community."
At the presentation at the Key Centre, in Middleham, on Friday, Susan Constantine, the co-ordinator of the open day, thanked the Middleham Trainers' Association and Yorkshire Life Magazine, which sponsored the event.
The recipients of donations were Middleham Key Centre; the town council's community fund; Middleham Primary School; Racing Welfare; St Mary and St Alkelda's Church; Children Today; Middleham Playgroup and the West of Yore Hunt.
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