AN ORGANISATION which offers retired people life changing opportunities has donated funds to a horse protection charity.

Thundersley University of the Third Age donated £1,477 to the Essex Horse and Pony Protection Society, in Pitsea.

The group held book and card sales, quizzes, raffles and more to raise the cash for the animal sanctuary.

Graham Ginnins, chairman of the group, met with Celia Riley, fundraising manager, for a cheque presentation.

Celia, 58, said: “We are so grateful to the Thundersley University of Third Age for the donation.

“The money is a god send and it has come at a good time as we have been struggling o raise funds for sometime.

“We are always in need of donations for vet bills and also supplied such as hay and food for the animals.”