A Monmouth man's 'wacky' invention has helped raise funds for charity on the Scottish ski slopes.

Bosses at Ski Rider, invented by Andrew von Staufer (pictured left and inset), donated two buckets of cash raised by offering try-outs of the unique invention in exchange for charity contributions to R3 Cymru.

Ski Rider's design is similar to a push scooter, but it is used on the snow.

Visitors to Cairngorm Mountain Festival in the picturesque Scottish Highlands were greeted by an all-Welsh team and given free instruction on Ski Rider in exchange for donations.

Bar staff from the ski resort's restaurants also generously gave money that they earned in tips over the course of the weekend.

Over £120 was raised for R3 Cymru, which promotes the health and education of those involved with or affected by life in the armed forces.

The Monmouth-based charity also aids and trains service veterans for civilian life.

Designed with disabled snow sports fans in mind, Ski Rider was a big hit with all ages and abilities. It proved easy to learn, even enabling a man who is registered blind to whoosh down the slopes – to cheers from crowd.

Ski Rider representative Sion Woodman (22) from Llantwit Major led the demonstrations.

To the amusement of his peers, a 12-year-old girl beat him in the Ski Rider slalom race.

"I think he may have fallen off deliberately, but I still beat him," she said.

Ski Rider is now available for rent at Glenmore, just below the Northern slopes of the Cairngorm mountains. A percentage of all profits will go to R3 Cymru.

Cairngorm ski resort staff have also roped off an area of piste for the exclusive use of Ski Riders.

The slalom race will feature at the Cairngorm Mountain Festival again next year and entries are open to all.

Pictures courtesy of Katy Sutherland.