CHARITY fund-raisers are onto a racing certainty thanks to design engineer Peter Isherwood.

Six electronic horses are under starter's orders at Eaglehawk Electronics Limited, Blackburn.

The radio-controlled runners and riders have been designed and made by managing director Mr Isherwood, a member of Great Harwood and Rishton Rotary Club.

He will be putting the steeds through their paces - and over hurdles - at a Rotary Club St Patrick's Day Party and race night next month.

Mr Isherwood said: "Hiring films, usually of Australian or American horse races, is very expensive.

"These horse race events raise quite a lot money, but its a bit of an old hat system.

"We were looking for something novel, fun and easy to use.

"They are very unusual, and not mechanically joined to anything," he added.

The design engineer, a one-time dealer in fairground equipment, likened their operation to a 'Kentucky Derby.'

The flat hat and clogs St Patrick's Day Party is on Saturday, March 15 at St Jude's Church, Accrington Road, Blackburn. As well as electronic horse races, there will be Irish music, dancing and a traditional Irish supper prepared by Father Peter Hapgood-Strickland.

Mr Isherwood is international committee chairman at Rotary hopes the fund-raiser will be a big winner for the "Classroom in a Box" appeal for Bosnia.

Tickets, price £2 including supper, are available from Rotarian David Shaw on 01254 885428.

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