A TRIMPLEY farm is throwing open its doors on Sunday to give people the chance to see and learn more about a rare type of heavy horse.

More than 5,000 visitors turned up to the annual event last August and organisers, Mike Clarke and his daughter, Alison, are hoping to better that this year in a bid to raise money and awareness about the Suffolk Punch.

The pair, who have been at their Holbeache Farm for eight years since moving from Birmingham, have the largest stud of the animals in the country. The stables are home to 25 of the 300 horses, which are classified as Category A on the rare breeds lists, remaining in Britain.

All proceeds from the show, also taking place in the neighbouring Bite Farm, will be donated to the Suffolk Punch Horse Society, County Air Ambulance and a church in the village.

It will feature a vintage rally of vehicles, car boot sale, dog show, fun fair, tractor rides to the stud farm and trade stalls.

Crowds were able to see 52 of the heavy horses, which are fewer in number than the Chinese panda, at last year's show and Mr Clarke expects even more to be on display at the weekend.

The 59-year-old agricultural engineer said: "Last year was tremendous and we are hoping this year can be even better."

For more information about the fourth annual Vintage Rally and Heavy Horse Show, which opens at 10am and features a parade at 3.45pm, call Mr Clarke on 07831 674018.