PRIMARY school children have raised more than £1,000 for a charity which helps disabled people.

Youngsters at Eldene Nursery and Primary School presented a cheque for £1,358 to charity Riding For The Disabled Association, which was their chosen charity for 2015.

With a series of fundraising activities throughout the year, the children smashed their fundraising target of £1,000.

In a special assembly to celebrate the children’s achievements, representatives from the charity were greeted with a drum roll and rounds of applause.

Head teacher Heather Kellett said the 350 children had thrown themselves into the year’s fundraising.

“They have been really excited about today and they all feel really proud of themselves. They all cheered when the cheque was unveiled and there was a really good atmosphere,” she said.

“We have had a white and black themed dress up day in honour of the horse we were sponsoring, a black and white horse called Meg.

“They also took part in an obstacle course and had the horse from the charity visit the school for the day to explain what they do which the children absolutely loved.

Heather said she was proud of the children’s charitable spirits.

“I’m absolutely delighted with the amount of money raised which is testament to the hard work of the children, staff and governors,” she said.

Eldene Nursery and Primary School have chosen Assistance Dogs UK as their charity for 2016.

Riding For The Disabled Association organise activities such as riding, carriage driving, vaulting and show jumping for people with disabilities across the UK. They use specially trained horse and ponies together with volunteers to run the activities.