THE SUPPORT of three local supermarkets has given Otley and Riding for the Disabled a £9,500 boost.

Sainsbury's stores in Otley, Rawdon and Yeadon have been helping the group and collecting for it over the past 12 months after choosing it as their charity for the year.

That partnership generated a total of £9,543 which was presented to committee members for Otley and District RDA outside the Otley supermarket last Friday, June 17.

The charity's Treasurer, Jean Lupton, said: "This has been fantastic support by Sainsbury's and this money is going to help us in lots of ways.

"It's going to help us employ an instructor to teach on a Sunday and also with the liveries for the horses, which is expensive.

"This has been an absolutely terrific partnership with Sainsbury's and we're very grateful."

Chairman Judy Olby added: "Sainsbury's have been absolutely amazing and the amount they have raised for us is just miraculous.

"We're always struggling because we can be hit by unexpected costs at any time, like a vet's bill - you can take out insurance for that but that doesn't work once the horses get past a certain age, as some of ours are.

"We never want to pass those costs onto our riders and so are always having to fundraise - which is brilliant fun, but can also be a challenge."

Staff at the three superstores helped by holding collections and other fundraising activities and lending a practical hand at some of the charity's events, including a barbecue.

Set up in 1987, the Otley & District RDA is part of a national federation dedicated to providing therapeutic riding or carriage driving opportunities for people with disabilities.

More details about the group, which relies on a team of instructors and volunteers, can be found by visiting otleyrda.org.uk or calling 0845 241311.

The Otley Sainsbury's store, meanwhile, will soon announce which local group it has picked to support over the coming year.

Shoppers can vote in the store - from a shortlist that has been drawn up - up until Sunday, June 26.