WORK is set to get underway on an outdoor classroom at a Rossendale equestrian centre.

The facility is going to be built at Croft Top Equestrian Centre, Stonefold Village, Rising Bridge, and will be used for school visits and so that youngsters can gain additional skills.

Members of Holcombe Pony Club, which is based at the centre, have been working with Groundwork Pennine Lancashire and Lancashire County Council’s Environmental Projects Team to develop their ideas for the development.

This was through the council’s community design scheme, which helps community groups to move their environmental projects forward by providing design service and support.

The pony club received the finalised plans for the learning space this week.

Work will get underway shortly and members of the pony club will have the opportunity to learn new skills such as dry stone walling, stone carving, and planting.”

County Coun Janice Hanson, said: “The county council is pleased to be associated with this fantastic project, which showcases how successful communities can be in developing projects given the right support.”

The classroom will feature a carved stone sculpture in the shape of a leaping horse. The artist, Greame Mitcheson, will be working with the young people to develop designs and help carry out the carving works over the next few months.

Gillian Smith, Trustee of Holcombe Pony Club said: “Holcombe Pony Club is a very vibrant youth organisation; we pride ourselves in offering both ridden and non ridden activities for our young members to participate in throughout the year. This project is very unique as it will create a long lasting legacy for our club and Croft Top Equestrian Centre, which is our riding base.

“All our members will have an opportunity to take part in dry stone walling, stone carving, stock fencing and path construction, to create a wonderful outdoor classroom for many other young people to visit and appreciate.

“There is the added bonus of all these newly acquired skills being put into practice on the young people’s own farmland to keep their ponies safe whilst grazing and work towards enhancing the local environment.”