Equestrian disability charity hopes to raise £20k

The centre offers services like horse-riding and carriage-driving for people with disabilities (generic image)

A charity which provides horse-based activities and therapy to help people with disabilities hopes to raise £20,000 to extend the support it offers visitors.

The Cavalier Centre in Much Wenlock helps people with disabilities participate in activities like horse-riding, carriage-driving and physiotherapy on horseback, and has more than 200 volunteers.

If raised, the money would create an inclusive outdoor space with fruit trees, bird boxes, and a camping area where children and youth groups could stay overnight.

A memorial garden would also be built to recognise the service's achievements, Shropshire Council said.

The money is being raised through Crowdfund Shropshire, a platform delivered by Shropshire Council, which matches larger public-sector donations with sums raised locally.

The authority and its partners have pledged £2,170 using funds from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

"The Cavalier Centre is set in a beautiful part of Shropshire and its work ensures a broad range of people can benefit from the centre's incredible facilities and expertise, learning new skills and gaining valuable experiences," said Much Wenlock councillor Dan Thomas.

He encouraged people in the community to support the "vitally important service".

"Projects that offer people with disabilities the opportunity to participate in rural activities have significant benefits for health and wellbeing whilst building new social connections and friendships," Thomas added.