The future of a Holcombe riding school has been secured after a government funding boost.

Margaret Haes Riding Centre on Moor Road, which supports around 160 riders every week where more than half have a disability, has secured £171,500 worth of funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

The money is from a £6.7m rescue package from the department to help to institutions that have fallen into disrepair or are under threat of closure.

The centre support people with mental health issues, physical disabilities, complex conditions, visual and hearing impairments, depression, self-harm, children and young adults with special education needs, and the lonely and isolated.

Trustee at the riding centre, Debra Batchelor, is delighted with the funding boost and says the site "can now unlock many exciting opportunities" to develop its facilities.

She said: "The continuation of the Margaret Haes Riding Centre on the edge of Holcombe Moor was under threat for the first time in its 50 year existence when the property was offered for sale. 

"The only option was to try and raise the funds to purchase the property, a seemingly impossible challenge. 

"The response to our funding appeal from the community and wider, has been incredible, showing how much riding, or simply being with horses, at the riding centre has touched the lives of so many over the years.  

"People wanted us to stay, to be there for them and other families, and future generations. 

"Even with a pledge of funds from a generous benefactor, the crowdfunder was still significantly short of the sale price.

"This award of matching funds from the Community Ownership Fund means we can reach the sale price and purchase the property.  

"The impossible has now been achieved, thanks to the government's support.

"The future is secure and we can now unlock so many exciting opportunities to develop our facilities and experiences, and further benefit our community."

Debra added: "We are overjoyed. Our heartfelt thanks to all our riders, volunteers, staff, supporters and friends who supported the campaign.

"Thank you to the Minister of Levelling Up and team, for the opportunity to apply and secure funds from the Community Ownership Fund.  

"Thank you to everyone who supported Margaret Haes Riding Centre on this long journey, including Bury VCFA, PossAbilities CIC and our local Community Hub Manager, councillor and MP. 

"Dreams can come true!"

The centre offers volunteering placements for young people with disabilities and are now offering a new service called Equine Facilitated Learning aimed at the lonely and isolated.

Levelling Up Minister Dehenna Davison said: “We’re putting beloved pubs, clubs and heritage sites into the hands of local people to ensure these cherished institutions and the vital services they provide are guaranteed for future generations.

“With the government backing announced, these places will continue to thrive, make a difference to people’s lives and be run by the local community for the local community.”

Margaret Haes set up the riding school 50 years ago and her aim was to make riding accessible to everyone, and to ‘change people’s lives’ through the sport.

After Margaret died in 2008, the stables, land and arenas went up for sale and remained unsold for years.

It changed ownership in 2015, and the riding centre became a charity.