Olympic hero Mary King shared stories of a career with horses spanning four decades in Sidmouth last week.

The 100-strong crowd turned out to hear of the celebrated equestrian’s successes, and her failures, while proceeds from tickets went to the Sidmouth Victoria Hospital Comforts Fund.

She spoke of her humble beginnings working in stables in Salcombe Regis to fund her hobby, through to her first Badminton horse trials and representing her country at six Olympic Games - much of which had been diligently followed by the audience.

Comforts fund president Sheelagh Michelmore said: “We are so delighted that the equestrian star from the valley could come to talk to us about her outstanding career.”

She added that phase five of the hospital renovations are proceeding well and thanked Mary King for helping them on their way to raising another £250,000 for the works.