TWO charities are celebrating after being awarded National Lottery funding totalling more than £750,000.

Haworth Riding for the Disabled (RDA) will receive £477,720 over three years.

And Keighley-based Action Point Community Support Services has been granted £272,680, to fund a befriending and support scheme.

Haworth RDA founder Jackie Butterfield said the group was delighted with its award.

And she thanked players of the National Lottery for their backing.

She said: "The funding means we can provide employment for eight staff, run an after-school club and offer awards – including the Duke of Edinburgh's and ASDAN, and the Young Equestrian Leaders Award.

"We can also offer work placements from schools and colleges.

"We're delighted and would like to thank the National Lottery and players for their support, not just of us, but of all good causes."

The group welcomes more volunteers to help out at its Vale Mill Lane stables – visit haworthrdagroup2001.org or call 01535 649448.

Action Point's funding will enable the charity – based at the Temple Row Centre – to continue its Carelink Befriending & Support Scheme, which provides help for lonely and isolated people across the Keighley district.

The project, set up in 2006, has seen an expansion in its range of clients since the pandemic.

It currently supports 85 people, with the work undertaken by two staff members and 40 volunteers, who visit people in their own homes.

The National Lottery funding will enable more staff to be taken on and the scheme's reach expanded.

Action Point chief executive officer, Diane Dale, says: "We’re delighted that the National Lottery has recognised our work in this way.

"Now, thanks to National Lottery players, we will be able expand the project to support even more vulnerable members of our community.

"The impact of the project is centred around helping people to live fulfilling lives and striving to ensure that those who need additional support are enabled to do so.

"Our work will reduce loneliness and isolation, improve health and wellbeing and increase access to support services and community engagement activities.

"Also, volunteers will be supported to enhance their skills, confidence and competencies, helping them develop skills for employment and supporting them to reach their potential."

Bob Tallon, a volunteer befriender with Carelink, says: "I'm over the moon with this grant. From personal experience as a befriender, I know how much the service would be missed if it ended."