AN animal rights campaigner donned a horse and jockey costume and handed out leaflets in Worcester to urge people not to support the Grand National next weekend.

Pauline Burgess, from Malvern, joined other animal protection campaigners in Worcester city centre on Good Friday to encourage people not to bet on the popular race on Saturday (April 11) and to boycott horse racing altogether.

During the rally some of the campaigners held placards protesting about the "thousands of horses put to death annually" by the horse racing industry.

Ronald Lee, communications officer for the Worcestershire Vegans and Veggies, who organised the demonstration, said: "The action was part of Horse Racing Awareness Week, organised by animal protection group Animal Aid, which is designed to precede and include the Grand National meeting at Aintree, where

40 horses have died since the year 2000.

"It's important to remember that every other racecourse in the country is also responsible for the deaths of horses.

"For instance, in the past five years, 31 horses have died or been put to death at Worcester Racecourse, after suffering appalling injuries, such as broken legs and necks.

"Every year about 400 horses die from their injuries on the courses or in training or are killed because they are considered of no further commercial value.

"In addition, many thousands are slaughtered annually in the UK and Ireland, after failing to make the grade as racers or when their racing days are over.

"Ordinary people can help put an end to this horrific situation by not attending or betting on horse racing, so this appalling death-industry fades away through lack of financial support.

"Many members of the public vowed never to support horse racing after reading our leaflets and dozens signed a petition calling for the Grand National to be banned."

For more info, contact Ronald Lee on 01562 700043 or 07703 558724 or visit animalaid.org.uk/h/n/CAMPAIGNS/horse.