YOUNGSTERS at Haworth Riding for the Disabled are celebrating the start of a new equine after-school club thanks to a new grant.

The national Riding for the Disabled Association has awarded £5,000 to Haworth RDA to set-up a club which will enable 16 young people from the area to benefit from the activities and therapy delivered by horse riding, supported by a team of young volunteers.

Jane Lawrence, of Haworth RDA, said: “The grant means we can cater for an additional 16 young people with disabilities, allowing them to benefit from the recreation and therapy that horse riding provides.

"Because the project is supported by our junior volunteers it has also increased peer support, communication skills and the ability to socialise as part of a large group which can be something disabled youngsters can lack the opportunity to do.

"It's a double hit because it's very useful for both sets of youngsters.

"For example the volunteers do work which can earn them UCAS points.

“Some of the activities that happen at after-school club help towards recognised accreditations – helping all our young people achieve recognition for the activities that they participate in and support.

"These qualifications also contribute towards improving the life chances and available opportunities in the future for the young people in our care.

"Also, because our after-school clubs function with the support of our volunteers, it allows parents and carers two hours of valuable respite time.”

T-Jay Wilson, ten, suffers from concentration problems caused by alcohol-foetal syndrome and his grandmother Carole Myers said he had been at Haworth RDA since he was four and has loved every minute.

"It gives him confidence and he focuses when he's on a horse.

"There's never been a day when he hasn't wanted to come along.

"Haworth RDA has become part of our family," she said.

T-Jay attends Merlin Top Primary School in Guard House and will now be able to go along to the riding centre at the end of the school day.

The grant was awarded as part of a nationwide programme by RDA to support local groups trying to expand their activities. “We were delighted to be able to award a grant towards such a positive and important community resource, which will help even more young people take part in our activities,” said Ed Bracher, chief executive of the RDA.

“The range of projects we have been able to fund in this latest round of grants demonstrates the creative ways that our groups are tackling the growing demand for our services – not just in West Yorkshire but all over the UK.”