WEST Somerset's MP Ian Liddell-Grainger played host to a former neighbour and his friends during a 'pit-stop' on a charity horse ride. Ian and his wife Jill provided bed and board for a number of an eight-strong group of horsemen and women travelling around 150 miles from the Children's Hospice South West in Barnstaple to the site of a new hospice near Bristol. The Liddell-Graingers lent their support to the fundraising ride because of the involvement of Mike Bickell, who lives near their former Okehampton home. "The new hospice still needs a significant amount of funding and we were happy to do anything we could to help," said Ian. "The ride took about five days to complete and they managed around 25 miles a day, which was pretty good going. "Although they're not yet sure how much they've raised, I know they're pretty pleased with the response they've received on their journey and the generosity of the people they met on the way." Ian is pictured, far right at the front, with Jill and family dog Snoopy, far left, and Bicknoller farmer Desmond Venner, far left at the back, who provided stabling for all eight horses during their overnight stay last Friday. Riders, at the back from second left, are Dean Summersby, Emma Boon and Nick Fry and in the front Heather Parr and Mike Bickell. Photo: Steve Guscott.