Forres Nairn & District Riding for the Disabled announced they received The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and equivalent to an MBE.

This is a testament to the charity’s work over 40 years, delivering weekly term-time therapeutic riding sessions for children with disabilities from local primary and secondary schools, as well as pony grooming sessions especially designed for those with dementia or other cognitive impairment.

Emma Gregg, chair of the group, said: “I cannot put into words how delighted we are that our group’s work has been recognised.

“This is the ultimate accolade not only for our current volunteers, but also for those who have served the group over the last 40 years, and in particular for those who had the foresight to establish the group all those years ago.

“Our volunteers contribute in so many different ways – whether at the riding and grooming sessions, or behind the scenes on invaluable work, particularly raising our profile in the community and fundraising.

“Our volunteers tell us that volunteering for RDA has given them a real purpose and a new direction in life. They say that it is the best thing they have ever done as they gain a lot of satisfaction from seeing the smiles on the riders’ faces and helping them do things that no one ever thought they could do.

“The Kings Award for Voluntary Service allows us to celebrate their outstanding dedication and achievements.”

The group is one of 281 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year.

Their work, along with others from across the UK, is a reminder of how fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them.

Representatives of the group will receive the award from the Lord-Lieutenant of Moray – Major General The Hon Seymour Monro CBE, LVO at the group’s AGM on Wednesday, November 20.

In addition, two volunteers will attend a garden party at Holyroodhouse in July 2025, along with other recipients of this year’s Award.