A riding school for disabled people are on the lookout for helping hands at their centre in North Yorkshire.

Potential volunteers are invited to visit the Riding for the Disabled Association [RDA] open session at Harrogate Riding Centre, no experience of working with children or horses is necessary. 

Successful volunteers will support youngsters from four specialist schools in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon.

Shona Crichton, head of the Forest School in Knaresborough told The BBC: "We see children as young as five who have incredibly complex physical and/or learning needs overjoyed at the freedom of movement they can't achieve on the ground.

"Positive mood changes, confidence, social development and building core strength are other vital benefits."

Margaret Flannery has been a volunteer at the group for the past four years. 

She said: "I love it. Where else can I get my steps in for the day whatever the weather as we're in an indoor arena, have a laugh with a great bunch of people, do something different to my normal routine and see what a difference I'm making to the children?

"We really need more volunteers to join us though if we are to keep the sessions running."

If you are 16 or over and can commit to three hours every Tuesday during school terms between 11:45 and 13:15 BST at Harrogate Riding Centre, Spring House Farm, Burn Bridge, Harrogate contact Jane on 07786980195 or complete the online form on the Stockeld Park RDA website.

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