WATCH: BGC BRITANNIA STAKES CHARITY CASH HELPS YOUNGSTERS LEARN AT RACING VENUES

Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) members are backing the charity Racing to School to the tune of £30,000 to fund learning events at racing venues across the UK for thousands of children.

The cash is part of the staggering £450,000 donation made by members of all profits from this year’s Britannia Stakes charity race at Royal Ascot. The money was spilt between Racing to School and six other charities, including Prostate Cancer UK and Missing People.

John Blake, Racing to School CEO, said: “The sport cannot rely on just its existing supporters. It needs fresh blood, like any sport, and any industry does. It's very much a collaborative charity. We rely heavily on racecourses, trainers and studs where we do our work.“

"The donation of £30,000 is wonderful for us. It translates roughly to around 20 days of activity that we are able to provide, which is about 1,000 young people coming through this unique program.”

Racing to School works with young people from inner city, rural and deprived areas and those with special education needs.

Local MP Sarah Dyke (Lib Dem, Glastonbury and Somerton) visited Wincanton Racecourse to see for herself the work the charity does to inspire and educate.

“It's absolutely fantastic to see the children making so many memories whilst learning some really interesting stuff,” she said. " It's all been made possible by the BGC so huge thanks to them for making this such a fantastic event."

The funding came from BGC members Flutter (Paddy Power, Betfair, Sky Bet), Entain (Ladbrokes, Coral), Evoke (888 William Hill), Kindred (Unibet), Betway, Rank Group (Grosvenor Sport), Virgin Bet, LivescoreBet, Star Sports and QuinnBet, along with the support of Tote and Bet with Ascot.

Watch the video below to see local MP Sarah Dyke visiting and hear from Racing to School CEO John Blake.