GREATWOOD horse charity officially unveiled a new classroom facility on Tuesday with the help of funders Al Basti Equiworld.

The charity based at Rainscombe Hill Farm in Clench Common, Marlborough has been combining education programmes with the rescue and rehabilitation of ex race horses since 1993.

The new classroom will allow Greatwood to expand its teaching programmes for disadvantaged children and young adults with special needs and disabilities.

Al Basti Equiworld, which is the UAE’s leading distributor of horse feeds, supplements and veterinary products, will also be paying the salary of a new teacher for the next three years.

Founder, Malih Al Basti, said: “I was introduced to Greatwood last year and was immediately impressed by the work they are doing with horses and children. The charity is unique both in its approach to education and the rehabilitation of former racehorses no matter how severe the need.

“I am delighted with the way the classroom looks and hope it will help Greatwood to enrich the education of young people for many years to come.”

Helen Yeadon who founded the charity with husband Michael said: “We are enormously grateful to Al Basti Equiworld for their support of this project which will enable us to provide enriched learning opportunities to some of the most socially and educationally disadvantaged children in our community.

“We are also delighted to be welcoming a new team member, Jane Muir-Brooks, as our new teacher whose appointment is as a direct result of Al Basti Equiworld’s support.”

For more information about the charity go to www.greatwoodcharity.org