A RIDING school in Chigwell which caters for people with special needs is seeking volunteers to help provide help for the 150 people who take to the paddock each week.

Chigwell Riding Trust For Special Needs based at Grange Farm, High Road, is looking for volunteers aged over 14 who can help lead the horses and ponies while giving moral support to the riders.

Deborah Hall, manager of the trust which provides riding lessons seven days a week, says it needs weekday volunteers who can lend a hand even if it is for just one morning or afternoon.

She said: "The riding school has more than 150 disabled riders a week and for most of them it's the highlight of their week. We're desperate for people to help out during the week as we have enough volunteers at weekends.

"We really need people Monday to Friday. Our work is dependent on volunteers because we can't do anything without them. If just one rider has physical problems or is a bit lively in the saddle they could need three helpers.

"But for those riders who are, for instance, confined to a wheelchair the service we provide means they see things from a different perspective while getting some exercise and participating in a sport that will benefit them greatly."

She added: "Some riders have no speech but through riding are able to start communicating. Many others will achieve better co-ordination and balance and of course will benefit from the sheer enjoyment of the whole experience."

The riding school, which has 14 horses and ponies, provides lessons between 10.30am and 5pm each day with a lengthy lunch break.

In a direct appeal for volunteers, Mrs Hall said: "Your help if only for one morning or afternoon during the week would be fantastic. You do not need experience, just a willing pair of hands and a sense of humour.

"Training will be given on site. Please come and help and make a huge difference to someone's life and probably yours as well."

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer can ring Deborah Hall on 020 8500 6051 or visit www.chigride.co.uk