THE Allen Valleys hosted one of the UK’s premier clay shooting events last weekend, which raised an estimated £40,000 for worthy causes.

The annual Whitfield Clay Shoot attracted more than 400 competitors to the picturesque setting of Whitfield Estates.

Good weather greeted shooters, who competed for both team and individual prizes.

The event took place over 10 strategically-placed shooting stations, with game flushes simulated with clays travelling at the same height and speed as particular birds or animals.

One of the organisers, Margaret Ridley, said: “It was well supported and people travelled from all parts of the UK to be here.

“The weather stayed dry, we had some sunshine and everybody really enjoyed themselves.

“We haven’t counted all of the proceeds yet, but we estimate another excellent total, in the region of £40,000.

“This is an excellent effort, and I would like to thank everybody who has contributed.”

For the second year running, Whitfield Primary School will receive a share of the proceeds.

The school is set to become a sponsored academy under the direction of the Good Shepherd multi-academy trust, which has plans to construct a new extension to accommodate a nursery for pre-school age children.

Other beneficiaries of this year’s shoot are Tynedale Hospice At Home; The Allendale Defibrillator Fund; The Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust; The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) and the Countryside Alliance.

Margaret added: “The Whitfield Clay Shoot brings a lot of people into the area, and a lot of them stay overnight with local accommodation providers.

“This means that as well as raising money for worthy causes, we are also supporting the local economy.”

For results and more information about the event, visit www.whitfieldclays.co.uk