PEOPLE of South Somerset are being challenged to run, jump, climb and crawl around Chard Equestrian as part of the first Horseless Steeplechase.

The event is being held to raise money for South Somerset Mind, a mental health charity based in Yeovil, and is the only race in the area which challenges people to take on horse jump obstacles.

Entry is open now for the event, which is being held on September 4. There are four races to sign up for; the adult 5k, the adult and dog 2k, the junior 2k (aged 9 to 15) and the mini 1k (aged 3 to 8).

Jane Gregory of Chard Equestrian said: "I think it is going to be quite interesting and very enjoyable. Where we are is right on top of Windwhistle so there really is nowhere better to be.

"With the family fun day as well, there is going to be something for everyone with activities as well as races for adults juniors and dogs."

Entry is £10 for the adults and adults and dogs races, and £5 for mini and junior races, with spectators welcome to watch for free.

Gates will open for the event at 10.30am, the adult 5k race will start at 11am, the mini 1k race at 12pm, the junior 2k race at 1pm, and the adult and dog race at 2pm.

Each participant will receive a rosette for taking part and there are also prizes available for the winners, including a one month membership for 1610 in Chard for the winner of the adult 5k, and a family ticket for Haynes Motor Museum for the winners of the junior and mini races.

As well as the steeplechase races, Chard Equestrian will also be hosting live music, refreshments and various other entertainment stands as part of a full family fun day.

Although South Somerset Mind is affiliated to the national charity Mind, the leading mental health charity in England and Wales, it caries out all its own fundraising itself.

Each year, South Somerset Mind provides support for more than 1,000 people, with some as young as eight years-old.

Currently, around one in four people will seek help for a mental health problem, with around 4,400 people taking their own lives every year.

By 2020, depression will be the leading cause of health problems in Europe.

Visit South Somerset Mind’s website for further details on how to sign up – www.southsomersetmind.co.uk.