AN EQUESTRIAN legend has lifted the lid on his career as an eventer during a charity night for Prospect Hospice.

Andrew Nicholson has represented New Zealand in seven Olympic games and became one of the top names in British eventing after moving to England in the 1980s.

Mr Nicholson spoke to a packed crowd about his career in eventing, a discipline in which riders and their horses compete in dressage, cross country and show jumping.

He now lives in Marlborough and supported the hospice charity after his friend Graham Vallis got in touch with the fundraising idea.

Mr Vallis chose to raise money for the hospice in memory of his late wife Naomi, and on the night raised almost £4,000.

Mike Kennedy, community fundraiser for Prospect Hospice, said: “We are very grateful to Graham and his son for inviting Andrew to speak about his amazing career to raise funds for us.

"Our thanks of course go to Andrew and to Eleanor too, who hosted the evening so well and to everyone who came along to support the event. The success of the event shows the strength of support that exists for Prospect Hospice in Pewsey and the surrounding area.”

The night took place in in Bouverie hall, Pewsey after 180 guests came to support the cause.