RIDING a horse for the first time was an exhilarating experience for 76-year-old Lois Green of Malvern.

Mis Green was persuaded to take up the challenge by friends at the Lansdowne Crescent Methodist Church, which is raising money for the Dyson Perrins Chaplaincy and Youth Work Project.

She said: "I've always wanted to ride a horse, but at my age I'd come to look at it as one of the things that I should have done earlier in life.

"But my friends in the church persuaded me that I should do it as a challenge to help raise money for the project."

Arrangements were made with a riding stable at Leigh Sinton, and, assisted by the staff and her friends, Miss Green achieved her aim.

She said: "I'm registered blind, with only one-third of normal eyesight, so I couldn't see very well, but I was led around the paddock, I used the reins and it was absolutely exhilarating.

"I'd wanted to ride a horse as a child, but was never allowed to, so it was lovely to be able to do so. There are some parts I'd rather forget, like trying to dismount at the end, but on the whole I really enjoyed it."

As well as providing a new experience for Miss Green, the challenge also raised more than £400 for the church's appeal in support of the chaplaincy project, which aims to provide a Christian mentor for pupils at Dyson Perrins.

Other fundraising events which the church has planned include a barbecue, coffee mornings, an auction of promises, a concert and meals.

Further information can be obtained on lansdownemethodist.org.