A riding centre for disabled children celebrates its 25th anniversary today.

Avon Riding Centre for the Disabled in Henbury was officially opened by Princess Anne on October 9, 1984.

After a stuttering start the centre has gone from strength to strength and now provides lessons for more than 200 people every week.

Riding has long been recognised as a major therapy for those with disabilities, with improvements to their health and wellbeing just some of the benefits.

Chief co-ordinator Gill Edwards, has worked at the centre since October 1987.

She said: "In the early days there was not really an ethos of volunteering in this country. The project started with a big bang and a lot of support from local businesses but maybe people hadn't thought about how they were going to run it and cover the costs.

"Now there are a lot of people who have been here for years because it's such a wonderful place to work and very addictive. It doesn't matter how much you put in, you get 10 fold back.

"It is so satisfying seeing the benefits to the children and the progress they make, usually with a huge smile on their faces."

Now the centre has 30 horses, seven full time staff, and around 180 volunteers on its books but can always do with more.

The Bristol complex in Kings Weston Road is one of the biggest purpose-built riding centres for disabled people in the UK, with a big indoor arena and an outdoor school, riding routes for hacks and a little cross-country course.

New chief executive, Kevin Hateley, now wants the charity, which relies on donations and fundraising to keep running, to increase its income by hiring out the indoor and outdoor schools, meeting rooms and the grounds surrounding the complex to more people, schools and businesses.

"I am really keen to continue raising the profile of the centre and forging relationships with different organisations including the local business community, the police and the media to keep the centre moving forward," Mr Hateley said.

Parents who have been coming to the centre for years find it an invaluable resource.

Betty Humphries from Frenchay has brought her son Harry, 10, who has Down's syndrome, to the centre for the past five years.

"When we first came he rode off slumped on a horse, like many children with Down's syndrome do, but when he returned he was sat upright, I couldn't believe it.

"Horses were new to us and we didn't know if Harry would enjoy it but he loves it and we are so glad we came. Doing something independent from us is also wonderful for his confidence."

Sue Gibbs, of Stoke Gifford, has visited the centre with daughter Esme, nine, for the past three years.

She said: "The volunteers here are absolutely brilliant and very patient and Esme absolutely loves it.

"She can get frustrated doing a lot of things but with riding she is a natural."

On Sunday, October 18, the centre will hold its annual autumn gala.

For more information visit www.avonridingcentre.co.uk.