Exeter Racecourse is hosting a free race day for armed service personnel this weekend.

The Armed Forces day will be held on Sunday, November 20, and will raise money for the Help For Heroes charity.

All serving military personnel and members of the Royal British Legion will be able to enjoy a day at the races free of charge.

The special day has been nicknamed by the Racecourse as the ‘BAFFTAS’ – British Armed Forces Families Thanks and Awareness Sunday.

Exeter Racecourse general manager, Alice Everitt, said: “With numerous British Army, British Navy, Royal Air Force bases in the West Country and within easy reach of the racecourse we thought it was a great way to show our support of the troops.

“It will be a fantastic day out and we well as being able to show a small token of our appreciation of the incredible work military service personnel do for our country, it also provides them the opportunity to enjoy a great sporting day at the races.”

As well as six races, there will also be a mascot race, a climbing wall, a Challenger II Tank and Hawk to view and a chance to send messages to loved ones in Afghanistan with the British Forces Broadcasting Services.

There will be a silent auction throughout the day and a chance to purchase raffle tickets for many exciting prizes. Profits from these events and a percentage from food and beverages will also be donated to the charity.

Squadron Leader Andy Walker, head of RAF Recruiting in the South-West added, “It’s the first BAFFTAS raceday of its kind in the South-West and we are delighted to be involved. We hope we have a full house, encouraging families to enjoy a fun day at the Races, have a little flutter and most importantly raise funds for Help for Heroes”.

Each person who qualifies for free entry will be entitled to bring a guest for just £7.50. £1 from every full-price entry ticket will be donated to Help For Heroes.

The first race is 1.00pm.

To reserve free tickets (subject to availability) or take advantage of pre-booking discounts, book online at www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk using promotion code for serving British Military and Royal British Legion members only - EXEH4HNOV20. Military ID or British Legion Membership will then have to be presented with ticket on arrival to guarantee free entry. For regular bookings, visit the website and for VIP Tables, please contact the Racecourse Office for further information.