IAN Austermuhle, last year's Scott Trial winner, travelled from his home near Malton to present the cheques at the charity event's presentation evening at the Buck Hotel, Reeth.

A total of £7,500 was raised by the famous trial, organised by Richmond Motor Club, and shared between numerous local charities.

Organisers said the amount was significantly less than usual because of the costs of renewing planning permission for another five years with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority to hold the event in the areas under its control.

The trial has raised more than £150,000 since the club took over the running of the event in 1991.

Austermuhle, who finally lifted the trophy on his 19th attempt, said it was every trial rider's dream to win at the Scott, which is undoubtedly one of the toughest trials in the world and definitely one of the riders' favourites.

He and his wife Beth were presented with a small gift by Callum and Chloe Fowler, members of the very popular and growing youth section of Richmond Motor Club, which organises trials and training days for more than 100 members aged four and over.

John Fraser, Scott Trial chairman, introduced the recipients, several of whom said a few words about how the money helped their charities. Sam Watson, representing Just The Job, gave an excellent speech in which he explained how the charity had helped him and how much he enjoys going to work there.