PARENTS of Stroud School have raised £5,000 for Hampshire Riding Therapy Centre, a charity based in Fair Oak.

The charity gives children with life limiting diseases the opportunity to ride and work with horses.

The money was raised at a summer ball organised by the school’s parents association and sponsored by various local companies.

Stroud was visited by five-year-old pony Arthur and staff from the riding centre to receive the money.

The cheque was handed over by Year 6 pupils William Beresford, Octavia Crowe and Jamie Kirkwood, who all ride at the school.

Flick Hornden from the centre thanked the parents and told the children that the money would be spent on new saddles and video equipment.

Arthur was the star of the show and performed one of his tricks by lying down on command before being stroked and patted by his numerous new fans.