A GROUP set up to support a horse riding centre in Cam was only formed last spring but has already donated over £1,000 to the Great Western Air Ambulance Service.

Through raffles, sponsored rides, selling calendars and even a dog show, The Friends of Tumpy Green Equestrian Centre has been able to help out their nominated charity as well as support the centre with new equipment.

The group’s chairman Nikki Secker said the group was formed not only to fundraise but as a social group for the centre’s users and to support the centre itself.

"Because we have only justed started, we thought our target of £1,000 was quite aspirational," she said.

"To give something back to the Air Ambulance Service was really important to us.

"We work closely with our Tumpy Green Pony Club members, promoting volunteering and the concept of putting something back."

The ambulance service often deals with horse riders as they may fall and injure themselves far away from roads but do not receive any government money to meet their £1.5million-a-year costs.

The cheque was given to fundraising co-ordinator Emma Carter on December 18 and in turn invited the centre's pony club children for a visit to their base in Bristol.

"Without help from organisations like Tumpy Green we couldn’t operate, they are so important to the work we do," she said.

"I would like to thank them for all their fundraising efforts, we are incredibly grateful for their support."

For more information or to get involved contact Nikki Secker on 07974946692 or email friendsoftumpygreen@yahoo.co.uk