A GROUP of college students passionate about animal welfare donned fancy dress for a sponsored horseback ride from Iverley to Kinver to help raise funds for a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Izzy Williams, Faye List, Jessica Locke, Grace Bates, who are studying on a level three equine course at Kidderminster College, rode from Sugarloaf Equestrian Centre in Sugar Loaf Lane to Kinver on Wednesday March 27.

The 17-year-olds stopped off at The Anchor at Caunsall along the way and managed to coin in £200 in donations.

Izzy and Grace, from Kidderminster, and Faye and Jessica, from Cleobury Mortimer, have been staging a number of fundraisers and have set up an online fundraising page to raise money to fund a once in a lifetime trip in May to South Africa where they will help with the veterinary care of animals in sanctuaries including horses, donkeys, zebras and giraffes.

Kidderminster Shuttle: L-r - Faye List, Grace Bates, Izzy Williams and Jessica LockeL-r - Faye List, Grace Bates, Izzy Williams and Jessica Locke (Image: Handout)

They will also take part in wildlife conservation work and community work in Boschdraai Village.

The girls need to raise £2,500 to £3,000 to pay for the experience and to help raise funds they have also lined-up cake sales, raffles and the horse ride.

Jessica said: “The ride was great, we stopped off at The Anchor at Caunsall and rode through Kinver. The weather was a bit wet and cold, but we pulled through.”

Kidderminster Shuttle: Izzy Williams on the sponsored horse ride outside The Anchor at CaunsallIzzy Williams on the sponsored horse ride outside The Anchor at Caunsall (Image: Handout)

A further sponsored ride will take place on Wednesday April 3.

Jessica added: “The funds we raise will go towards the transportation, accommodation and to support the cost of vaccinations we need to go. Any donations, whether small or big, will be so important to us as it will make a huge difference and will help us reach our goal.”

To make a donation to help the students with their fundraising endeavour visit the Go Fund Me website gofundme.com (search Help animals who need veterinary care in Africa).