HELPING OUR TROOPS

Brigg folk like me who have family in the forces - and many members of Brigg's British Legion Branch - will, we are sure, applaud an initiative by Market Rasen Racecourse, which today announced its support of the charity Tickets For Troops for the second year running, offering 25 tickets at each of 11 different fixtures during 2011.
Every racecourse in Britain has joined forces to make an incredible donation of over 40,000 free tickets to the races in 2011, so that members of HM Forces from across the country will be able to enjoy a top day out, as a gesture to recognise their continued service for our country.
The Lincolnshire racecourse's managing director Pip Kirkby said: "As accompanied under 18s are admitted free to Market Rasen Racecourse, this offer will allow many of our servicemen and women to have a well-deserved family day out for free."
Tickets For Troops is a charity that supports the work of serving military personnel and veterans by offering them free tickets to events around the country.
Top jockey Richard Johnson, who is a patron of Tickets For Troops alongside other names such as Freddie Flintoff, Steven Gerrard and Dame Kelly Holmes, said: "British racing has been a supporter of Tickets For Troops since the charity was initiated and I'm delighted to see the level of support that is continuing into 2011. It's an incredible charity that aims to go some way to recognising the inspirational job that our country's forces do every day of their lives, and hopefully our being a part of it goes some way to saying thank you."
Lord Marland, chairman of Tickets For Troops, said: "Tickets For Troops are delighted once again to receive such generous support from the British Horseracing Authority. We would like to thank all the racecourses which have wanted to demonstrate their support and show their appreciation for the dedication and commitment of the marvellous men and women of our Armed Forces."
Troops are encouraged to sign up for free tickets at www.ticketsfortroops.org.uk, while more information can be found at www.britishhorseracing.com/tickets-for-troops
Market Rasen Racecourse's first fixture of 2011 is on Sunday 23 January. Gates open at 11.20am for a first race at 1.20pm, with the finale at 3.55pm.
General admission: Premier Members £26; County Enclosure £19; Tattersalls £14; Family Enclosure £9; Picnic Car Park £5 per car + Family Enclosure admission per adult. Accompanied children 18 admitted free of charge. Senior citizens and students - £4 off admission into County and Tattersalls (identification required). More information through this link at RASEN RACES