AN old-fashioned stagecoach brought out the crowds as it made its way through the Forest on a trip to commemorate the Coronation and to raise money for charity.

The two-day journey from Gloucester to Hereford through Hartpury, Highleadon, Newent, Dymock and Ledbury raised £3,500 for the Great Oaks Hospice.

The Coronation Stagecoach Run was organised by owner Charles Martell of Dymock and the coach was pulled by horses from Rushmere Carriages in Coleford.

Among those on board was Sheila Evans, founder of the Great Oaks Hospice.

She said: "It was an amazing, one-off experience and it has raised £3,500 so far for Great Oaks.

"We are very grateful for the generosity of Charles Martell and Adrian Lander of Rushmere Carriages who made this possible.

"It was wonderful to see the pleasure on people's faces when they saw the stagecoach. When we were going over the motorway bridge cars horns were being tooted in support. As we were making our way other motorists were very patient."

Mrs Evans said the coach felt "surprisingly stable" when riding "up top" but it was very noisy inside.

She said: "People paid to travel and we made collections along the way and everyone was very generous.

"I think if we were ever to have the opportunity to repeat it, we would have people queuing up to take part. It was a wonderful experience."