A DISABLED riding school is set to benefit from a £50,000 Lotto boost.

Sport England has given £49,560 to the Barrow Farm Riding for the Disabled based just off Blackmore Road in Highwood, Chelmsford.

The cash, from a £17million pot backed by the National Lottery, will be used to repair a leaky roof at the site and replace flooring.

Each week the centre, which opened in 1976, provides lessons and riding sessions for 130 disabled people.

Centre manager and co-founder Anne Mitchell said they were absolutely delighted to have received the money.

Mrs Mitchell said: “It means we can upgrade the quality of our facilities and together with our team of dedicated coaches.

“It provides excellent riding sessions for our current riders and those who come to us in the future.

“Equestrian events really came to the public’s attention during the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics and we feel this award has really put grass roots disability riding well and truly on the map.

“We all feel very valued - and truly inspired.”

Bosses from Sport England said it was their pleasure to offer the money to Barrow Farm and help disabled riders get better facilities to work with.

Charles Johnston, Sport England’s property director, said: “Since 2011, we’ve invested £88 million into more than 1,600 projects to improve sports clubs and transform non-sporting venues into vibrant community sports clubs.

“It’s great to see Barrow Farm RDA join the long list of successful clubs to benefit from this fund.”