ALASTAIR Dodds, trustee of the riding for the disabled organisation (RDA) Tweeddale Rideability Group, this week collected a cheque for £250 from John Falla, organiser of this year’s March Street Mills Allotments Open Day.

The money was raised through the sale of produce during the Open Day, and a similar sum was added to the allotments association funds.

Mr Dodds, who is a plot holder at the allotments, said the RDA was grateful to the association for its generosity towards the annual costs – around £13,000 – of maintaining the group’s seven ponies and providing the therapy, enjoyment and sense of achievement to children and adults with five riding sessions every week.

The sport is made possible through the dedication of a loyal band of some 40 volunteers and carers and the generosity of donors, some of whom donate at no personal cost every time they shop online through membership of the easyfundraising website.