AN equestrian centre is riding high after investing more than £20,000 to improve its facilities for disabled riders.

Margaret Haes Riding Centre unveiled its newly refurbished indoor arena, which was officially opened by Bury North MP James Daly this week.

The centre won funding from Sport England and Bury Council's Social Capital Fund, with additional support fro Corma Carpets, Bury Relief Fund, Bury Freemasons and Bury Athenaeum.

Centre Operations Manager Debra Batchelor said: “We are delighted with the support we’ve had from Sport England and Bury Council, as well as the local community.

"The improvements will allow us to provide better facilities for our riders, who are mostly disabled young people or those with special educational needs.”

Debra added: “Our volunteers themselves put a lot of effort into the project, helping remove old materials and in refurbishing the arena doors.”

The Margaret Haes Riding Centre, a registered charity, has been in Holcombe village for over 50 years. It is dependent on voluntary support and has a team of experienced coaches who are accredited by the British Horse Society.

Mr Daly said: "The new facilities will allow some of the most vulnerable in our area to have the benefit of a fantastic environment to nurture a love of horses and riding, it was a pleasure to meet the team of dedicated volunteers who run the centre and some of the young people who benefit so much from this outstanding community asset."

Linda Nuttall, volunteer and trustee of the charity, said “We were delighted to welcome James to the centre to see what we’re doing. These improvements mean that we can offer more to the local community; we’re extremely grateful for the help we’ve received for this project but also the ongoing support we get from individuals and local businesses, particularly during these difficult last few months. And we really appreciated the time that James Daly took to see what we are doing."