TWO Milford Haven groups will be celebrating this festive season, after hearing they have been successful in getting grants totalling nearly £20,000 from the Big Lottery Fund.

PAT Ponies, a community interest company (CIC) from Milford Haven, will use its £10,000 grant to offer ‘getting back to nature’ retreat days allowing individuals experiencing mental health disorders to meet and work together.

The aim is for personal growth and improved overall wellness.

Laura Coombe, co-director of PAT Ponies, said: “This grant means that we can improve on our current offering to our community, providing much needed facilities onsite.

"We will work with a qualified psychotherapist to provide a therapeutic facility offering individual and group/family counselling, well-being and personal growth sessions.

"An enclosed riding arena will improve riding facilities and a safe space for our ground based equine assisted learning sessions.

"We cannot thank the Big Lottery Fund enough for this funding which will make such a huge difference to many lives - thank you."

Milford Community Society will spend its £9,900 grant to provide a series of workshops designed to engage young people who are not in education or work in employment skills.

Grants are available thanks to people playing the National Lottery.