A Richmond project giving disadvantaged young people the chance to ride horses has been granted more than £70,000 by BBC Children in Need.

Horse Rangers Association, where children of all abilities can learn to ride and care for the animals, received a three year grant to increase the number of ride opportunities available during school term time.

The association is one of 10 projects currently benefitting from £573,176 BBC funding across the borough.

Jeremy Richardson, Director at Horse Rangers Association, said: “We are so pleased to have received funding from BBC Children in Need.

"This means we can continue to encourage children and young people of all abilities to learn and care for horses.

"Funding will enable children and young people who need more specialised support to meet new friends and become acquainted with horses and ponies.

"We believe that no physical or financial barrier should prevent a child from having access to this very special sport.”

Speaking of the new grants, Clare Cannock, Regional Head of South at BBC Children in Need, said: “The public’s generosity towards BBC Children in Need never ceases to amaze me.

"The money donated means we can go on to fund projects that support children and young people.

"We want organisations in the local area that support children and young people to reach out to us about funding opportunities and tell us about new projects that will make a difference to the community.”