Funding is urgently needed to maintain services at Haworth Riding for the Disabled (RDA) after it was revealed its lottery funding runs out this autumn.

Councillor Joanne Dodds, the Deputy Lord Mayor of Bradford, has already given the centre her backing, describing the facility as “absolutely wonderful”.

She spent about an hour at the Vale Mill Lane stables in Cross Roads on Saturday, accompanied by her consort and husband, Robert Dodds.

They met staff and volunteers, watched riding sessions, chatted to riders and their parents and were given a tour of the site.

Haworth RDA’s lottery cash – £380,000 during the past five years – runs out in October, and the group is now applying for alternative funds.

“It’s a fantastic place – I was so impressed,” said Coun Dodds.

“Riders were proudly showing me medals they had won at the Special Olympics, and parents spoke about what a huge difference the group had made to their children.

“The work the staff and volunteers do is fabulous.

“I sincerely hope the group does keep receiving funding.

“And I would encourage anyone who knows or hears of any potential funding sources the group could benefit from, to let them know. I will certainly be keeping my ear to the ground.

“They will derive some benefit from the Lord Mayor’s Appeal.”

Haworth RDA is affiliated to Bradford Disability Sport and Leisure, the beneficiary of this year’s Lord Mayor’s Appeal.

Jackie Butterfield, the RDA group’s founder and manager, said the Big Lottery Fund cash – which was specifically for staffing and to help towards running costs – had provided a massive boon.

“It has made a big impact,” she said. “It’s enabled us to grow and reach a lot of people in the community.

“We’re currently looking at other possible sources of funding. We don’t want to lose staff.”

The group, which began in 2001 and has grown rapidly over the years, relies on its own fundraising efforts and donations to maintain its facilities.

It has seven staff and more than 60 volunteers, and caters for more than 160 riders – aged from four upwards – each year, offering a variety of different programmes.

Riders also come from other parts of the UK on holidays, staying at Haworth Youth Hostel and taking part in riding sessions and social activities.

“Some are working towards their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and the experience counts towards the residential requirement,” said Mrs Butterfield. “It also provides respite for parents.”

Earlier this summer, four riders between them scooped a nine-medal haul at the Special Olympics at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire.

Jenny Lee secured two bronze and a fourth place, Lucy Hargreaves won two gold and a fourth place and was Grade C champion, Benjamin Ashton took two bronze medals and a fifth spot and Brian Bentley got double gold and a silver.

Mrs Butterfield said it was the first time Haworth RDA had competed in the Special Olympics, but that it would take part again and in other competitions.

“We were extremely proud of all the riders – it was a fantastic achievement,” she said.

Contact Mrs Butterfield on 01535 644375 if you can help with funding.