A West Sussex riding centre for the disabled has been devastated by the theft of all its saddles and bridles.

The South Downs Riding Centre for the Disabled in Pound Lane, Upper Beeding, was broken into early on Saturday.

They stole 17 saddles and 17 bridles as well as specialised tack for disabled riders, including adapted reins and safety harnesses.

The centre gives up to 40 disabled children a week a chance to ride ponies or horses.

Jill Blake, who founded the centre, said: "We're just devastated, absolutely devastated. It's the most awful thing we could have imagined happening to us.

"We're so low on funds there's no way we can replace half of it.

"The local riding community has been tremendous, turning up and lending us saddles and bridles, but of course when you borrow something it has to go back."

Ms Blake said unless the centre could find more than £5,000 to replace the stolen tack, it could be forced to close.

She said: "It's a vast amount of money, but we don't want to close. The children would be just devastated."

Anyone who can help should call the centre on 01903 815924.