KIND-hearted residents in Horrabridge, Yelverton and Crapstone are 'promising' to make a dream come true for a severely disabled boy by raising funds for a special horse-drawn chariot.

Ben Furse, who lives in Horrabridge, cannot walk or talk, but there's nothing more he loves than riding his pony Rupert on the nearby moors.

Unfortunately, now aged 13, Ben has outgrown Rupert and his parents, Andy and Caroline, have increasing difficulty lifting him in and out of a normal pony trap.

So they, along with their friends Sara Hawkins and Cathy Harris, are looking to raise £2,500 for an Ibex saddle chariot, which would allow Ben to ride across the open moors pulled by his trusty steed Rupert.

They have organised an 'Auction of Promises' which will be held at the London Inn, Horrabridge on Thursday, April 2.

Caroline told the Times: 'Unfortunately Ben was born with a cleft lip and palate.

'When the clefts occurred in the womb, part of his brain did not form either.

'This left Ben with several disabilities, including a rare form of epilepsy and global developmental delay; as a result Ben cannot walk or talk, although he can communicate using some sign language and pictures.

'His conditions mean that he spends a lot of time in hospital; this makes the time spent out and about having fun all the more important!'

One of the best things about Ben getting out and about with Rupert is that he gets some independence doing 'normal' things that other children his age take for granted.

He often goes out in the trap with friends and family and this helps to build his confidence.

Caroline said: 'Having a saddle chariot would mean he could go out and spend time in the fresh air and have fun.

'Ben will be able to access places where he could not go before such as out on the moors and the beach, which he loves. It would mean so much to him.'

The suspension on the chariot ensures a smooth ride and may be used on all terrain.

What makes it so special is that Ben's wheelchair can be wheeled onto the trap itself.

It also has a special harness which has a quick release, so if the pony gets distressed, the rider just pulls a rope and the pony is immediately detached from the vehicle.

The inventor of the IBEX lives in Exeter. Caroline contacted him and he brought it down to West Devon with his pony and the demonstration showed it would be perfect for Ben.

Sara Hawkins, who lives in Crapstone and is one of the organisers of the Auction of Promises along with Cathy Harris from Yelverton, said that there had already been a wonderful response to raise money for Ben's chariot.

Some of the promises/ pledges that have been kindly donated include cream teas, a family photo shoot, professional dog walking, horse riding lessons, a signed Liverpool FC football, a full car valet service, a ride on the footplate of a steam train, a sports therapy message, a stay at a bed and breakfast or another in an eight berth caravan.

One offer has been made by local vet Kieran O'Brien for anyone aged over 16 to shadow him in his work for a day.

Sara said: 'The pledges are still rolling in, there has been an explosion of interest.

'What we intend to do is that if we receive more than the £2,500 for Ben's saddle chariot, we intend to buy another one and form a charity, so other disabled people locally will be able to benefit and be able to enjoy riding across the moors.'

If you would like to donate to the 'Auction of Promises' on April 2, or give a raffle prize, please email Caroline Furse at [email protected]">[email protected] or call her on 07808 668250.