The manager of a riding school has thanked an equestrian company for its "generosity" which she says has helped survive the pandemic.

Elstree-based Penniwells, which caters for disabled people, feared its centre would close if it did not receive financial support.

Before Covid struck, the riding school was providing up to 140 sessions every week supporting people all of ages.

In the late 90s, an indoor arena was built at Penniwells by equestrian surface, manufacturer, and installer company Martin Collins, with an outdoor arena following a few years later.

But both of these surfaces have deteriorated and Penniwells had no money to replace it, so they contacted Martin Collins to see if the company could help.

Read more: Disabled riding centre could close permanently without financial support

General manager Nicholas Collins visited the Elstree school, and hugely concerned by the impact the pandemic was having, agreed to resurface both arenas as well as make a donation to the riding school.

Sarah Healing, Penniwells manager, said: "Without the support of Martin Collins we would have really struggled to have good surfaces again. They have both been topped up and levelled out and are riding as if brand new.

"The horses are going so much better and we ride confidently on them without having to worry about avoiding any areas.

"We will be forever grateful to Martin Collins and promise to look after them the very best we can, hoping they will last for the next 20 years as before. Their generosity came at a time we needed it the most."