RIDING for the disabled is urging people to vote.

The charity has not got involved in politics but wants people to cast their vote to benefit from the Tesco BagsofHelp scheme.

In collaboration with Groundwork, the supermarket chain has a grant scheme for local good causes and people who visit the store in Ludlow will get to vote.

Grants of £4,000, £2,000 and £1,000 are available and the voting starts on Wednesday, May 7 with this particular poll open for two months.

Ludlow and District Riding for the Disabled give the opportunity of riding a horse or pony or driving a carriage to any non-able person, in Ludlow and surrounding areas, who may benefit in their health and well-being.

They are the only provider of these activities in the south Shropshire and ride either in North Farm, Whitcliffe’s purpose built sand arena or out in Mortimer Forest.

Riding in the forest introduces many riders to a wildlife environment normally denied to them because of physical or social restrictions.

Riding and carriage driving can help balance, mobility, co-ordination, confidence and self-esteem.

It takes place in situations where children and adults can develop communication, numerical and reading skills, as well as learning to confront and overcome their anxieties.

The improvements to physical and mental health, as well as to the essential skills of reading, numeracy and communication, make significant differences to the lives of people who take part as well as their family, friends and other carers.