RATHMELL horseman Bryan Procter is welcoming tips on how to prevent - or indeed, treat - saddlesoreness as he makes final preparations for his latest equine fundraising adventure.

Three years ago Bryan, of Cockley Bank, travelled around the Yorkshire Dales with his pony and carriage and raised £8,600 for medical charities such as MacMillan Nurses and Marie Curie Cancer Care.

On this occasion, he is dispensing with the carriage and relying on his 12-year-old Friesian stallion Duke to carry him the 120 miles of the Pennine Bridleway from Hartington in Derbyshire to the South Pennines.

He is setting off from Derbyshire on September 9 and expects to finish on the 16th and hopes the sponsors from his last expedition will be as generous this time round.

He is not expecting it to be an easy task for either him or his trusty steed. The route has two high points both at approximately 1,563 feet and the total ascent around the Mary Towneley Loop is 3,690 feet.

"I've never ridden that far before and have been putting in a bit of practice lately to get used to it," explained the 67-year-old retired farmer and member of Settle Rotary Club.

"I did the new Settle Loop on Duke when it opened last week and have been riding two or three times a week so I should be alright. Duke is a good strong horse and I'm sure he'll be up to the task too," he added.

This time, Mr Procter is raising funds for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance which relies on public donations to keep the helicopter aloft and ready to attend emergencies anywhere in the county when either time is of the essence or the patient is in an area where access is difficult by land.

"The air ambulance is a very worthy cause. I always try to help people less fortunate and when you see the air ambulance flying past you never know whether it's on its way to a family member or a friend," he said.

Anyone who wants to join Mr Procter on any part of the route is welcome to do so and can make arrangements by ringing him on 01729 840772.

Anyone who wants to sponsor his ride can either ring the above number or write to Cockley Bank, Rathmell, North Yorkshire, BD24 0LJ.

o Walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders turned out in Settle last Thursday to mark the official opening of the latest phase of the Pennine Bridleway National Trail in the Yorkshire Dales.

When it is completed, the trail will cover about 350 miles, of which 52 miles run through the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Last Thursday saw the opening of the 10-mile Settle Loop - the first section of the trail in the national park to be completed.

Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority chairman Carl Lis said: "It's good to be launching this route from the heart of Settle, which we really hope will be of benefit in economic terms from the business opportunities that the use of the Pennine Bridleway should bring, for example to the local shops, accommodation providers, cafes, stabling facilities and bike shops to name but a few."

National park chief executive David Butterworth added: "There is still plenty of work to do before the project is fully realised. Nonetheless, we should celebrate milestones as and when they occur and the launch of the Settle Loop is certainly a cause for celebration.

"I know this section of the loop will be a great resource for people looking for a fantastic day out in the south of the national park either on foot, on two wheels or on horseback."