THE Tavistock branch of a national charity is appealing for volunteers who would like to do something a little bit different with any hours they have to spare.

The Tavistock Riding for the Disabled Association Carriage Driving Group was launched in 2009 — driving a horse-drawn carriage helps people with a wide variety of disabilities in a number of ways, including giving pleasure, providing a social outlet, creating challenges and gaining confidence, and providing an experience which can be life-changing. It also assists in building relationships and helps the drivers to achieve goals.

The Tavistock carriage driving group has five drivers some of whom have been with it since its inception in 2009 — but it desperately needs more volunteers to enable it keep providing an important facility to disabled people.

Tina Willcocks, one of the drivers, said: 'I love everything about carriage driving, being out in the countryside, chatting to the helpers and the fact that while I'm working on perfecting my posture and driving position, I'm benefitting physically too.'

Sarah, the mother of Tom, another driver, said: 'Tom enjoys his driving experience very much. It boosts his confidence and makes him feel a little more independent being able to ask Bruno —the pony — to walk on, and receiving a rosette and certificate to say he had, made him happy.

'It is now on Tom's wall — he smiles at it every day and is very proud.'

Hannah Rogers, who drives on a Thursday, said: 'From the moment I began carriage driving nearly two years ago, I was completely hooked. It is fantastic to be able to continue my independence.'

Now, the group is appealing for more volunteers to enable it to continue achieving this level of success.

Volunteers need not have any horse or driving experience, as the RDA provides full training during which new skills are learned relating to harness, horse management, helping the wheelchairs into the carriage and carriage maintenance. Volunteers' achievements are recognised and celebrated as their skills develop.

Pru Mills, one of the volunteers, said: 'Throughout my life I have had huge amounts of pleasure and enjoyment from horses.  By being a volunteer with the RDA I am giving other people the chance to enjoy themselves as well.'

Sue Spackman, who volunteers on a Thursday, said: 'It is a commitment, however, there is something very pleasurable about being with horses in such an unrestricted environment and it is seeing the drivers enjoying it that gives you a huge uplift.'

Jo Albon said: 'I've been a volunteer with Tavistock Carriage Driving Group for three years.

'It involves responsibility but is not onerous. I have been able to become as involved and take on as much responsibility as I wish. 

'If you like being outdoors, working with people and animals and have a bit of time to spare — look no further.'

In the past the group has met at various locations, however, with the arrival of the current driving pony, Bruno, the venue changed to the tracks through the woods at Scrubtor by permission of the Earl of Bradford Estate and the AONB.

These tracks provide a different form of driving by being in the countryside and exploring trails and nature, regardless of the weather.

Janet Tilston, the owner of Bruno, a stocky 16-year-old Fell pony, who also trains the drivers, said: 'The turnover of volunteers in any charity is inevitable and volunteers are the heart of the RDA as they assist the drivers in achieving their goals.

'For 2013 to continue to be as successful as previous years we need more volunteers to create a bank that we can draw upon as we all have commitments elsewhere.'

Tavistock Carriage Driving Group members will be holding an open day in Bedford Square on Saturday, January 19 when the four-wheeler carriage will be on display and demonstrations — without the pony — on the role of the volunteers will take place.

Members look forward to meeting others who may be encouraged to step forward as volunteers and join them.

Anyone who would like to receive further information about the group should contact Janet Tilston on 0845 4506911 or visit the RDA website for general information http://www.rda.org.uk">www.rda.org.uk