A VOLUNTARY group which gives disabled people the chance to ride horses has galloped away with a community award.

Watershed Riding, in Coates, has been named community project of the year by Cirencester Rotarians.

Sue Bowden, who helps run the centre at The Rectory, told the Standard she was surprised to receive the award.

She said: "It came totally out of the blue. We have been going about 16 years and I have been doing riding for the disabled for 30 years, but I was very surprised and delighted our little group has been recognised in this way."

The charity was formed because Mrs Bowden's autistic daughter gained so much from being around animals and has now grown to 30 members.

Mrs Bowden said: "Our eldest daughter was autistic and formed a great link with animals - she loved riding and it all grew from there.

"I love handicapped people and I love animals. To bring the two together has been great for me and they get so much out of it as well."

The community award is a turnaround for the charity, which nearly folded during the foot and mouth crisis in 2001.

Mrs Bowden said: "It was a terrible year and we nearly had to close down. But we staggered on and since then it has grown and grown."

Cirencester Rotarians spokesman David Lattimore said: "Sue had the original idea for a Riding for the Disabled centre in Coates over 20 years ago and it is a great story of her devotion to make life better for others."

For further information on Watershed Riding call Sue Bowden on 01285 770235.