The Manx Carriage Driving 4 Disabled charity has received a donation to buy a cover for their latest carriage to keep it clean when in storage, and to ensure that it’s always in mint condition.

Martin Sewell, volunteer fundraiser for Manx Carriage Driving 4 Disabled, said: ’We’ve recently received a new carriage adapted for wheelchair users so we may be as "inclusive" as possible in the provision of carriage driving experiences leading to improved health and wellbeing for our participants.

’The carriage cover saves cleaning and preparation time which may be better used by our drivers. In 2019 we aim to extend the trial we began this year to all "flexible learning academies" in schools throughout the Isle of Man so that students have something more to look forward to, experience, and reflect on in their lives.’

Manx Carriage Driving 4 Disabled was one of 14 organisations that received 2018 Manx Telecom It’s Our Community grants, which provided the money. The annual scheme is open to Manx charities, sports clubs, schools, voluntary or community groups.

Applications for the 2019 scheme can be made towards the end of the summer.

Manx Carriage Driving 4 Disabled, which is based at the Ballavartyn Equestrian Centre in Santon, aims to allow as many people as possible to enjoy driving a pony and carriage.

It gives the participant the feeling of freedom from their disability, and enables them to enjoy the ability to move about and to control that movement.

The charity offers opportunities for people with a wide range of disabilities to enjoy a physical activity in the great outdoors, safely, and in good company.

If you would like to volunteer to help Manx Carriage Driving 4 Disabled provide more drives to more deserving participants, then call Liz Lillie on 322431.