Rossington Hall Group Riding for the Disabled in Doncaster has been named as a recipient of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the UK’s highest accolade for such services.

The award recognises the outstanding contributions made to local communities by groups of volunteers who regularly devote their time to helping others, improving the quality of life and opportunity for citizens.

Rossington Hall Group was founded in 1987 starting with just four volunteers and one horse. In subsequent years the group has flourished and now has 43 volunteers, 10 horses and offers, on average 250 rides per month.

The volunteers who allow this group to operate are an incredible team who work alongside each other and with the riders to ensure they have the best possible experience and opportunity to develop their physical and social skills.

The group told the Doncaster Echo: “We are very proud that our volunteers have received this award. It means so much to have their dedication and hard work recognised at the highest level. Without our team of volunteers, the group would not exist.”

The award, known as the MBE for volunteering groups, will be presented to the group at a celebration event later the year by Andrew Coombe, HM Lord-Lieutenant for South Yorkshire.

He said “I am delighted that the Rossington Hall Group Riding for the Disabled, providing support and services to those in need in our county have been awarded the highly prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.”