A RIDING school aims to make a difference to the lives of disabled people and those with special needs.

The Riding Centre for Special People, at Three Lane Ends Farm, Escomb, near Bishop Auckland, opens next Sunday.

Owners Christine Barratt-Atkin, 34, and her husband, Nick, 35, bought the farm four years ago and live there with their two sons, Nick, five, and nine-week-old Patrick.

During the past four years, the couple have renovated the farm and built a successful livery business. However, for some time they have been eager to set up a centre where people with all forms of special needs can enjoy being around horses.

Mrs Barratt-Atkin said: "We aim to become a specialist training centre where clients can come and develop independence and for the activities we provide.

"Each rider is treated as an individual and will develop skills appropriate to themselves and reach their full potential.

"We hope to offer a range of courses from recognised national qualifications to our own awards.

"It is lovely to see a person build up a relationship with a horse, even if they don't want to ride they can enjoy grooming or caring for the animals here."

The centre is open from 10am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, and clients will also be able to attend evenings and weekends by appointment.

For more information, or to become a volunteer at the centre, call 01388-604637.