A charity which received a £14,250 award from the charitable arm of the Telegraph & Argus two years ago has urged groups to apply for a slice of this year’s fund.

Jackie Butterfield, who set up Haworth Riding for the Disabled in 2001, said the cash made “all the difference” to the charity, allowing it to buy a state-of-the-art dust-free surface that it would not have been able to afford otherwise.

The Gannett Foundation, which is operated by the US company that owns the T&A, has launched its latest appeal and is inviting applications from registered charities which need up to £10,000 for projects tackling issues in the district.

Mrs Butterfield, who set up the riding club after overhearing a friend complain there was nowhere in the Haworth area for her disabled daughter to ride, said she would recommend charitable organisations apply for the scheme.

“The money made all the difference. The old rubber floor used to throw up a lot of dust but the new surface is made of sand and wax, is dust-free, easier for the horses and us to walk on.

“We wouldn’t have been able to afford it without the Gannett Foundation. We’re extremely grateful.”

Typically, grants are given for substantial projects which merit awards of between £5,000 and £10,000 and although preference may be given to ideas which create a legacy for their community, single events or projects of limited duration will also be considered.

Decisions on the value of the funding will be made by the trustees and based on the evidence submitted.

Each nomination will be judged on its own merits at the discretion of the trustees, whose decision is final. Applications must be submitted on the approved application form, which can be downloaded at the telegraphand argus.co.uk.

Completed applications should be sent to T&A communities editor, Peter Orme, by e-mail only at peter.orme@telegraphandargus.co.uk.