VOLUNTEERS are working hard to transform a riding centre for the disabled.

All week they have been painting and decorating the New Lodge Riding Centre, in Mottingham Lane.

The volunteers, including staff from HSBC in Canary Wharf, also carried out vital reinforcement work on the stables.

The centre runs riding sessions for disabled people of all ages, as well as disadvantaged youngsters.

For the disabled, horse-riding is used as physiotherapy, helping with mobility, balance and co-ordination.

For people with walking problems, riding can exercise under-used muscles.

For troubled youngsters, working with the highly-trained horses means they learn about discipline and respect.

Centre manager Hilary Crawford said: "We are extremely grateful for everyone's tireless work and we are absolutely delighted with the improvements."