Generous golfers have raised thousands for a national charity.

Royal Ascot Golf Club members raised and donated £14,699.53 to the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) after nominating it as the club's Captains' Charity for 2024.

The RDA, founded in 1969, uses the bond between people and horses to help more than 25,000 children and adults with disabilities each year.

The charity offers riding, carriage driving, and non-riding experiences at 400 centres across the country, supported by 13,000 volunteers, 1,500 qualified coaches, and 2,700 horses.

The money raised by Royal Ascot Golf Club will be used to support the RDA centres in Berkshire.

Outgoing ladies' captain and RDA supporter Sharon Edwards said the money will make a huge difference to the charity's Windsor and Ascot Driving Group and Warfield Riding for the Disabled Group.

She said: "We're so pleased to present such a significant sum to a charity which makes a genuine difference to so many people's lives only a stone's throw from our course.

"I've seen first-hand the positive change RDA can make to people of all ages by connecting those who live with a disability to horses, regardless if they have previous experiences with animals or not.

"It's so fulfilling to see people reach their true potential and find that purpose in life with a bit of support and friendly guidance.

"A huge thank you to everyone at the club who has supported our Captains' Charity this year.

"We're privileged to have such a closely-knit and friendly membership base at the club which no doubt has contributed to reaching our final total."

As well as the therapeutic and physical health benefits, the RDA works closely with the NHS, with most participants referred to its services by medical professionals.

The charity's recent impact report found more than three-quarters of participants (77 per cent) were more confident as a result of spending time with horses, while 82 per cent said their ability to build relationships had improved.

Sharon and men's captain Mike Ryall have now handed over their duties to the club's new captains, Rob Boyle and Barbara Martin.

The new captains have chosen mental health charity Samaritans as this year's Captains' Charity, and members have already raised more than £1,500 in support of its work.

The Royal Ascot Golf Club was founded in 1887 and was granted Royal status by Queen Victoria.

The club is set in 150 acres of woodland.