WORK has got under way on an extension which will see a Helensburgh riding group able to work with a wider range of disabled people.

The Gareloch Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) group has begun work on a ‘carriage driving’ arena at Colgrain Equestrian Centre to the east of the town.

The new facility will allow the RDA group’s members to work with children and adults who have more complex physical needs than can currently be accommodated at the centre.

Contractors are currently refurbishing the riding ground, levelling out the soil, adding drainage and building fences to ensure the area is ready for the arrival of a carriage at the beginning of August.

Ian Ward, a Gareloch RDA volunteer and trustee, told the Advertiser: “We are delighted. It’s a culmination of a lot of hard work by a lot of people and a massive amount of support from grant providers, the public and volunteers.

“Before they started the work there was an outdoor area, but that wasn’t suitable for carriage driving, so it’s all had to be built from scratch.”

The RDA received donations from various groups to reach their fundraising target of £65,000, and the Scottish Property Industry Festival of Christmas group (Spifox) made a generous donation of nearly £10,000 to cover the costs of the custom-built carriage.

The carriage, pulled by a specially-trained horse, will be used for people who have disabilities meaning they unable to ride a horse.

“The work so far has been fabulous,” Ian added. “It has improved so much.

“Some of the RDA groups in Glasgow and nationally have been superb in offering advice and it’s all helped get us where we are now.”

The RDA will host a grand reopening for its users, volunteers and supporters after the work is complete.