A disabled riding centre welcomed the arrival of a brand new tractor thanks to this website’s publishers.

The Gannett Foundation, who donates money to organisations in the areas in which its newspapers are distributed, gave £5,180 towards a new tractor for the centre, based in Carshalton.

“It’s a grand lass,” said Robert Mathews, president of the Diamond Centre. “It is an absolute godsend, it will be getting used every day and we are very grateful to the foundation for donating the money.”

The tractor, which was delivered last Wednesday, has already been given the name “Kango” by its new owners. “We ran the last one into the ground, we had her for 18 years so hopefully this one will last even longer,” said Robert.

The tractor has its work cut out. The centre has two large arena’s in which disabled riders learn to ride, and ‘Kango’ will be maintaining them every day in between the centre's packed teaching schedules.

President Robert said: “We have a waiting list of two years just for the classes. The instructors are out there teaching in the morning, noon and night.”

The centre, which also trains riders to be instructors, caters solely for the disabled and has been open since 1974.

It holds show jumping events throughout the year in its indoor and outdoor arenas.

Despite its obvious popularity, it does not receive any charitable or government funding and has to pay its £260,000 a year running costs on donations and fundraising alone.

Linda Paul, one of the centres administration assistants, said the centre's prospects have improved in recent years.

She said: “About five years ago it wasn’t looking good but it has picked up since then. It is a great place and the children love it.”

President Robert Mathews said being involved is very rewarding. “It's wonderful to see these kids enjoying themselves.”

Apart from the obvious enjoyment youngsters get out of it, horse riding offers therapeutic benefits. Hippotherapy uses the movement of the horse as a therapeutic tool. By using a sheet instead of a saddle, riders benefit from the warmth of the horse and feel the normal movement through their pelvis.

The centre is always looking for donations, so visit www.thediamondcentre.org.uk to find out more.