WORCESTER racegoers showed they had a big heart when they raised £1,300 to support sick and wounded veterans.

The Royal Signals band hit the right note as they played at Worcester Racecourse during a Vintage-themed Ladies evening on Wednesday (August 17) when racegoers dug deep to raise money for Help for Heroes.

Jenny Cheshire, chief executive of Worcester Racecourse, said it was 'a great amount' and said: "It is very much a charity we support. We were delighted and very grateful for the contribution."

Gerry Taggart of Team Sapper, a group of ex-Royal Engineers and their supporters, organised the performance of the band.

Mr Taggart, a retired lieutenant colonel with the Royal Engineers, of Powick, near, Worcester said: "This was an excellent day's racing in sunny conditions.

"Help for Heroes collected £1,300 as a result of racegoers' generosity and great support by Worcester Racecourse.

"The Royal Signals Band played very professionally for us, creating the right atmosphere for the event.

"We'd like to thank Captain Shane O'Neill, their Director of Music for travelling from RAF Cosford, where they're based."

The Help for Heroes mascot is Hero Bear was also present at one point tried to conduct the band.

Help for Heroes supports those who have suffered life-changing injuries and illnesses while serving our country.

This support is provided through grants direct to our Heroes and their families, grants to other charities and through four Recovery Centres in the UK.

Of the 750,000 men and women who served as Regulars between 1991 and 2014, at least 66,000 need long term support.