TWO groups in Bolton have won £100,000 in Lottery money between them.

The El Nino Riding School and the Bolton and Bury Out of School Clubs Association will benefit from the money, which comes from the Lottery Community Fund.

The Out of School Clubs Association aims to help the education and social development of children by supporting out of school care and facilities during school holidays.

The El Nino Riding School was set up last year by Susan Gutierrez and Bev Pennington, with a Lottery 'Award for All' grant and aims to help youngsters who are under stress from problems such as bullying and learning difficulties.

It also helps children in local authority care and disadvantaged youngsters who can benefit from working closely with horses and other animals.

The award is for almost £60,000 and Susan said: "It's absolutely fabulous. Waiting for funds has been nerve-wracking. We have a very long waiting list and the money means we can continue for another year."

The riding school, in Taylors Lane, Breightmet, has grown rapidly in its first year and the money will be used for staffing and general running costs. The farm has received other smaller grants from schemes such as the Bolton Community Fund and the Bolton Health Fund.

Although the grant will ensure the school is open for a further year, it still needs to continually raise funds for other projects and to ensure it's long-term future.

The school runs for seven days a week -- including after school, thanks to the erection of floodlights. Currently there are 78 children on the books and with the grant a new intake will be possible during December.

Anyone who can support the school or for more details call 01204 373957.