DEAF youngsters in north Devon will get the chance of one-to-one horse riding lessons thanks to a donation of £3,380 from the Devon and Cornwall region of the Lord’s Taverners.

A cheque was presented this morning by the Taverners’ regional chairman, Andrew Huckerby, at the North Devon Children’s Society offices in Barnstaple.

The society provides support to deaf children and their families, providing after-school, weekend and holiday activities which offer children the opportunity to interact with each other.

The project and activities are all organized with an emphasis on fun, helping to build self-esteem.

Recent projects include developing computer skills and percussion music. The society also runs a Saturday club which encourages interaction with deaf children and their siblings, and works closely with the police, fire service and lifeboat crews to provide fun activities which raise awareness of security issues.

This grant from The Lord’s Taverners, the youth sports charity which raises over £1.6 million per year to help give young people in need a sporting chance.