THE UK’s oldest armed forces charity is calling on Chepstow residents and businesses to help raise vital funds at an organised race day.

SSAFA will host its first charity race day at Chepstow Racecourse on Wednesday, November 2, and is encouraging people local residents and businesses in the Chepstow area to get involved and help raise money.

SSAFA, which has nine branches in Wales, has created two- day packages that guests can celebrate at the raceday and to celebrate.

The Silver Package is for friends and families at the races and costs £590, while businesses can buy the Gold Package is just for local businesses and costs £2,590.

Both of the packages include Bucks Fizz, a special two-course lunch, afternoon tea and an insight into the races from a professional tipster.

Additionally, companies can firms have the chance to raise their company profile in the local area with the Gold sponsorship deal.

Gold Package entrants will also judge the best turned out horses in their race, present the winners’ trophies and enjoy champagne in the exclusive winners’ room with the winning jockeys and trainers.

Proceeds from each package sold will go to SSAFA, the UK’s oldest Armed Forces charity, which provides vital support and help to the military community, including those who are currently serving, veterans and their families.

The charity currently has nine branches in Wales aand the support SSAFA offers varies from housing to adoption, bereavement support and mental health issues.

Gates for the race day will open at 11am, with tape to come up for the first race kicking off just after 1pm.

SSAFA Fundraising Director, Tegan Jones, SSAFA fundraising director, said: “The SSAFA Raceday at Chepstow Racecourse will be a great day out for local punters.

“It also provides a brilliant opportunity for local businesses in Chepstow to get their name out there.”