Thieves smashed into a disability riding centre stealing hundreds of pounds of equipment just before Christmas.

The burglary happened at the Arrow Riding Centre in Darenth Park Avenue, Dartford, with rugs, tack and wheelbarrows among the items that were taken on December 23.

Yard manager Vanessa Hook, 34, said: “We all feel completely deflated.

“We had had a lovely run up to Christmas with a very successful carol concert and a Christmas party for our volunteers and then this happened.

“All the money we had tried so hard to raise in order to carry on improving the centre will now have to be diverted to replacing lost items and improving security.

“The good news is that we’ve had so much support from the local community and have already raised over £500

“We would like to thank all those people from the bottom of our hearts.”

Honorary chairman Ken Blake added: "I can't believe the callousness of the culprits who have to resort to robbing a charity that was only trying to provide help for disabled people and give some respite to their parents and carers."

Spokesman for the police James Walker said: "Police received a report that a business premises in Darenth Park Avenue was broken into on Sunday December 23.

"A quantity of equestrian equipment has been reported stolen and at present no suspects have been located."

The centre was founded in 1982 by the Dartford Lions and is self-funded, needing around £140,000 per year to keep going.

They cater for special needs schools and riders of all ages and a range of physical and mental disabilities.

It played host to a royal visit last year as Princess Anne, president of the Riding for Disabled Association, arrived via helicopter to greet staff and riders while looking round the centre.

If you want to donate to the riding centre you can do so by visiting their Facebook page.

Anyone with information is asked to call Kent Police on 01474 366149 quoting 23-1645.

Alternatively you can contact the independent charity 'Crimestoppers in Kent' anonymously on 0800 555 111.