A Somerset-based riding school has raised more than £3,000 in an appeal for support during the pandemic.

Pevlings Farm Riding and Livery Stables (Pevlings) in Horsington has been hit hard by the UK’s second Covid-19 lockdown.

Since 1985, Pevlings has taught children and adults of all ages and abilities to ride and learn how to care for horses and ponies.

Founder and owner Alison Tytheridge started a crowdfunding page to help get her ponies through the winter ahead after having to temporarily close to the public in line with lockdown restrictions.

She said: “Along with many other businesses, coronavirus has had a huge financial impact on us.

“Our outgoings during this second lockdown are much higher as the ponies are stabled at night and require daily bedding, feed, hay and water in addition to their normal health care requirements.

“It has been said that these horses and ponies really are the staff of our business but unfortunately they cannot be furloughed, and we cannot simply shut our doors. We are working on a skeleton staff to ensure the horses and ponies still get the care they deserve.

“Please, if you can, help us to get through so we can see our 36th anniversary next June. Any donations would be greatly appreciated, and we look forward to opening our doors again to riders, past, present and future.”

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Launched on November 18, the 'Weʼre raising money to support the Pevlings ponies during lockdown and COVID restrictions' JustGiving crowdfunding page has already raised £3,396.

Alison said: "I am overwhelmed by your generosity and deeply touched by your kind messages.

“The Pevlings ponies mean so much to me and I am so pleased you all feel the same.

"Pevlings is my world – a world I have shared with so many and to feel supported in this way is truly amazing.”

To support Pevlings, visit pevlingsfarm.co.uk.