A RIDING club which was dramatically affected by the foot-and-mouth epidemic has vowed to battle back to its glory days.

The committee at the former Severn Valley Junior Riding Club is hoping to attract new members by opening the club up to equestrians of all ages.

An upper age limit of 21 previously operated.

Frank Randle, spokesman for the club, said: "We are very keen to keep the club going."

The non-profit club was formed in October, 1990 and was originally Severn Valley Junior Riding Club, with membership for children and teenagers up to 18 years.

As the club grew in popularity, the age limit was extended to 21.

It provided fun riding events for young people, with the aim of helping them enjoy riding and improving their skills.

By early 2001, the number of members stood at 130.

Mr Randle said: "But then came the foot-and-mouth epidemic. This, in effect, meant there were no competitions from the end of the season in September, 2000 until May, 2002 - some 19 months of inactivity."

As a result, membership fell dramatically to just 30, he added.

At the recent annual meeting, the club's committee resolved to fight to keep the organisation going and decided the best way to do so was to open up membership to all ages.

A series of four shows are already planned for the coming year, all to take place at the club's show ground, off Bewdley Road North, in Stourport.

The events kick off with an open show on Sunday May 23, followed by a combined training competition on Sunday, June 27, a junior show for under-16s on Sunday, August 1 and an open trophy show on Sunday, September 19.

Anyone interested in joining or who wants more information about the club should contact secretary, Rachael Kingsley, by e-mail at rk@aegis-ceramics.co.uk