A cheque for more than £1,000 raised by donations at the funeral of horse trainer James Roberts has been presented to Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

Mr Roberts, 32, who was an internationally renowned expert in the Parelli technique of horse and rider training, died in a car crash on the A345 near Manningford Abbots last November.

His funeral was held at St Mary’s Church in Market Lavington and more than £2,000 was collected. This will be split between the air ambulance and plans for a memorial to Mr Roberts, which is being designed by celebrated equestrian sculptor Judy Boyt, who lives in Easterton Sands.

Mr Roberts’ fiancee Victoria Craig said: “James would have wanted the money to go to the air ambulance as it is a charity he felt very strongly about, having been picked up by them once himself when a young polo pony he was riding slipped on the road and broke his leg. He also had friends who had been picked up by the helicopter.”

Over the past few years he helped raise thousands for the air ambulance, the most recent event being a free riding course and party held at James Roberts Foundation Station, his riding centre at Easterton Sands, which raised £4,500.

Mr Roberts’ photographer Claire Spelling also presented the charity with a calendar featuring his favourite photos. Proceeds from their sale will be shared between the two causes.