SIX volunteers from the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), who between them have given more than a 100 years of service, have been presented with awards recognising their work.

The six recipients were Sandra Thurlow, who has volunteered for 30 years, Mary Warden and Elspeth Crookenden who have both volunteered for 20 years, Leila Harrison who has volunteered for 15 years, and Anne Goodall and Marian Ireland who have both volunteered for 10 years.

They were presented with their awards by the Princess Royal, who is the president of the RDC, during her visit to Welburn Hall School Riding Group to open its refurbished riding arena.

Mrs Thurlow volunteers for the RDA group at Friars Hill Riding Stables in the village of Sinnington.

A spokesman from Friars Hill Stables said: “Mrs Thurlow has been volunteering for our Friars Hill RDA group for 30 years and gives her time, expertise and genuine enthusiasm each day.

“Well done Sandra!”

At the RDA, horses and ponies provide therapy, achievement and enjoyment to people with disabilities all over the UK.

The group’s network of 500 volunteer groups organise activities such as riding, carriage driving, vaulting, showjumping and hippotherapy for more than 25,000 people each year.

With its 18,000 coaches and volunteers, it has been going for almost 50 years.

There are a number of RDA groups in the Ryedale area, including Friars Hill and Welburn Hall, Snainton and the Yorkshire Wolds.