TWO volunteers have been awarded for their generosity after dedicating 50 years to South Northumberland Pony Club.

Harry and Margaret Armstrong, who used to farm at Bridge End in Hexham, allowed the club to hold rallies and events on their land, as well as doing jump judging at competitions.

District commissioner of South Northumberland Pony Club, Heather McDonald, presented the couple with flowers, certificates and badges with a gold bar to recognise their service.

The gold bar is the highest recognition awarded by the national Pony Club organisation.

Heather said: “We are a charity and we do have to charge the children a bit, but we try not to charge too much. It’s all very expensive and we rely on the generosity of landowners to help us out.

“The Pony Club is a great organisation which really gives children friends for life and hopefully teaches them manners and to be good people too.

“Harry and Margaret have given so much over the years and we are very, very grateful.”

Although Harry, who has recently celebrated his 90th birthday, has had a spell in hospital lately, the couple, who have now retired to Acomb, still make time for the Pony Club.

They occasionally do jump judging and find time to watch events.

They were presented with their awards on July 28 at the end of the club’s Middle Camp.