A Suffolk MP has won an amateur horse race while raising thousands of pounds for charity.

West Suffolk MP Matthew Hancock took part in the Newmarket Cavalry Charge on the town's world famous race circuit as part of Horsemen and Heroes Day.

Some �10,000 was raised for Racing Welfare and the Household Cavalry Operational Casualty Fund.

The MP, who lost two stone in 10 weeks preparation for the race, rode Dick Doughtwylie, owned by Rachel Hood and trained by John Gosden.

'I am absolutely thrilled to have won the race after a tough ten weeks of preparation,' he said. 'The exhilaration of coming home over the line first is something I will never forget and has been a real highlight of my summer.

'I was honoured to have this unique opportunity to have a fantastic time whilst raising money for two tremendous charities. 'I am very grateful to my trainer, John Gosden, and to all the stable staff at his yard who helped me learn to stay on a racehorse so enthusiastically.

'I am now looking forward to putting back on at least one of the two stone I lost in what remains of summer, so I can fit into my suits.'

Mr Hanock was taught to ride a racehorse by world-class trainers, John Gosden and Michael Bell.

To donate to Mr Hancock's charities visit www.justgivin.com/matthewhancockmp.