A CHARITY based near Ugborough offering disabled people of all ages a unique chance to ride horses has been given £1,000.

Erme Valley Riding for the Disabled Association has been in operation for 30 years, and currently offers around 3,000 rides a year thanks to the efforts of the team, most of who are volunteers.

Erme Valley RDA were given the cash by Devon freemasons through the WAKE Fund, a trust begun by the late right worshipful brother William Alexander Kneel, Devon’s provincial grand master from 1970 to 1984.

The fund now totals approximately £1.8 million, and each year the interest is given out to local organisations. Since the first disbursement in 2001, more than £575,000 has been given to causes selected by members of the 137 masonic lodges in Devon.

At an event held at The Masonic Hall in Barnstaple, representatives of 23 charities received a total of £20,000 from the right worshipful brother Ian Kingsbury JP. Senior instructor and managing director Peggy Douglas attended on behalf of the Erme Valley RDA. She said she was very grateful for the money, which would help the group buy some new educational equipment.

by Toby Leigh. [email protected] 01548856353