CELEBRITIES visited Chepstow to ride a camel in the name of fun and fundraising on Wednesday.

Heats were held at Chepstow Racecourse and eventually won by eventer Chelsea Pearce, the daughter of former England footballer Stuart Pearce. She held off a strong challenge in the final by jockey Sam Twiston-Davies in the William Hill Derby.

Camels Bertie, Kokoso and Kazak were ridden at the racecourse by other well-known people including model Lystra Adams to collect money for Bristol-based charity Paul’s Place.

Shortly after dismounting his camel in the final, Mr Twiston-Davies said: “Obviously it would have been nice to have won but I am pleased they have raised a lot of money.”

He said riding camels was at least a change from his day job: “It is very different. It is really interesting to sit on them.”

Today he had recovered enough to ride in two races at Warwick Racecourse.

The organiser of the races and Bristol-based businesswoman Laura Day said: “I was at Doncaster racecourse and the manager said to me: ‘We had camels at one time.’ I researched on them – and found them.”

She said she was hopeful supporters watching a day’s entertainment at Chepstow Racecourse followed by the camel races had raised £25,000.

All jockeys wore colours from leading racehorse owners who supported the race.

Jenny Prest, William Hill’s sponsorship manager, won her first race and took her place in the final but finished third.

She said: “It was definitely better than my first! I came last but that was fine. I was surprised to have won the first time round.”

The charity works to support physically disabled adults in a number of ways including running day facilities as well as arranging support for those who need care in their homes.

To donate to Paul’s Place, visit the Chepstow Racecourse Just Giving page at justgiving.com/chepstowracecourse.