Energetic equine vets at Abbey Equine Clinic, based in Abergavenny, have thrown down the gauntlet to their small animal veterinary colleagues for a two-day sponsored tetrathlon on 9th and 10th August.

This tough challenge, comprising cycling, swimming, running and dressage riding, is to raise funds for the children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent.

The creative inter-practice contest was cooked up by Bryony Lovell-Williams, office manager at Abbey Equine Clinic, to turn the friendly rivalry between the small animal and equine sides of the business into a fun, fundraising exercise for a worthwhile cause.

Bryony explains: "Having had personal contact with the charity, CLIC Sargant is very close to my heart.

"They give families invaluable support throughout child illnesses, which helps them through very difficult times. Now we are doing as much as we can to help them in return.

"We have raised nearly £500 through sponsorship and prizes so far but hope to raise more than that. My mum has also written a book Under the Fountain in aid of CLIC and is producing associated activity packs for children's cancer wards."

The two teams of eight veterinary staff and a team of four veterinary sales representatives will be pitting their sporting prowess against each other with a 10k bike ride, a 400m swim, a 5k run and then a Preliminary dressage test.

To sponsor them call 01873 840069 or pick up a sponsorship form from an Abbey Vets Branch.