IT was nail-biting stuff at Bampton’s annual Donkey Derby when one rider clung to the side of his donkey.

William Miller, nine, said he was “scared” of breaking a bone at the event yesterday before finishing second in one of the eight races.

He said: “I was holding on, trying to keep my feet in the stirrups and trying not to fall off.”

William was one of dozens who raced in the 44th derby while hundreds watched or explored the event’s other activities.

Games of Aunt Sally, children’s slides, book stalls and raffles were just a handful of the activities on offer in Sandford Field.

Between 400 and 500 people turned up to place their bets on donkeys and all proceeds from the event will go to the village fund, SPAJERS.