HAWORTH Riding for the Disabled has a desperately-needed new roof in place following a successful fundraising campaign.

The charity launched an appeal earlier this year to raise the £40,000-plus needed to carry out the essential work at its Vale Mill Lane stables.

It was feared that without a replacement roof, the group would be forced to suspend the life-changing activities it provides.

But following a massive public response, the fundraising target was achieved.

And now the new roof has been formally unveiled.

Haworth Riding for the Disabled runs nearly 40 sessions a week, including horse riding, stable management, work placements and clubs.

In addition to the participants, there are more than 30 active volunteers.

Founder, Jackie Butterfield, says: "Haworth Riding for the Disabled has been operating for 22 years, but the building was in place long before that.

"Unfortunately, last winter we discovered that the British climate had taken its toll on the building, and that the majority of our facilities urgently needed re-roofing.

"We knew that if this wasn't achieved over the summer, we would be unable to operate for another winter.

"The roof, which covers our main facilities and stable block, was leaking in several places and we were concerned that if nothing was done quickly, it could become unsafe.

"This would lead to closure, impacting the people we help with therapy, as well as our income to feed the horses.

"The future looked bleak, so we started the fundraising campaign – which involved applying to funders, holding our own activities and raising awareness of our cause.

"We needed to raise in excess of £40,000, and time was against us.

"But thanks to an amazing response, we had hit our target by May.

"And now, despite the job proving much bigger than anticipated, the work is done and the stables look amazing."

At a celebratory event – attended by those who contributed to the appeal – a ribbon was cut by Pat and Peter Shears, from the Shears Foundation, which was amongst the donors.

Jane Lawrence, fundraiser at Haworth Riding for the Disabled, says: "It always amazes us how the community comes together to support us. We are grateful to everyone who helped make this happen – a big 'thank you'!"

Jackie adds: "The response from the community was amazing and we're so grateful to everybody. And our horses are relieved to now be in nice, dry stables!"