A Bradford riding school is staging a ball to help raise funds for an all-weather indoor arena.

Jeannette Wheeler, who owns Throstle Nest Riding School, in Fagley, said heavy snow and rain during the previous two winters have meant several sessions at the outdoor arena have had to be cancelled, including the riding for the disabled group.

The new building, for which she is in the process of submitting a planning application to Bradford Council, would be set on top of the existing outdoor arena, and would include a new classroom and toilet area.

About £70,000 is needed to create the facilities, some of which has been raised by the riding school.

Mrs Wheeler said: “We want to put a roof over it so it can be used in all weathers. It’s going to be lined on the inside with wood because it is safer for the horses.

“We have an active disabled riding group. They are often more sensitive to the weather and they suffer more because we are less likely to be able to do their group.

“We are raising funds to pay for this and we have all sorts of different things planned.”

The riding school’s ball, which will include a three-course dinner and disco, will be held at the Ramada Jarvis Bankfield Hotel, Bingley, on April 2.

Mrs Wheeler is appealing to businesses who can donate raffle prizes or sponsor the new arena to get in touch.

Youngsters at the school’s Pony Club are also helping raise funds by holding a coin collection. Anyone who wants tickets for the ball, which are priced at £25 should telephone (01274) 639390 or visit throstlenestridingschool.co.uk.