A SOCIAL enterprise offering life-changing therapy using horses has set out to raise £1million to buy its current home.

The proprietor of Misty Blue Farm, at Kirk Merrington, near Spennymoor, is on a mission to secure its future for the hundreds passing through its gates from across the county.

Nikki Skinner, 45, and co-founder Lesley Thomson are so proud of what they have achieved with their equine therapy centre that they are confident they will be able to buy the farm by the end of the year.

"We want to continue with our social impact and have long term tenure here," said Mrs Skinner. "There are some funds we can apply for but because we're on a short term lease it stops us applying for some as we can't demonstrate we are long term.

"Our aim is to be independent and not reliant on grants. It's always been our aim to buy the farm but austerity has made it tough."

More than 150 people have gone through the equine therapy programme which seeks to support troubled youngsters and the long-term unemployed through the use of horses.

Referred from the likes of Durham Constabulary and Durham County Council, people with mental health issues, low self esteem and those at risk of entering the criminal courts system are taught valuable lessons by learning to care for the animals or finding out about horticulture.

The not-for-profit organisation also has an on-site nursery, riding school, boarding kennels and employs 21 people.

Mother-of-three Mrs Skinner is already in talks with a "matrix of social investors" who specialise in lending to similar projects.

She hopes the Big Lottery, Charity Bank and the Big Issue will stump up the £1million to purchase the farm.

Once the funding is secured, Mrs Skinner and her team will start planning for the future.

They hope in time to expand the indoor arena and facilities which will also allow them to become more accessible for the disabled.

Misty Blue has just got the backing of Police and Crime Commissioner for Durham, Ron Hogg, who visited the farm for the first time on Monday (March 14).

He said: "The whole project is superb as it helps people with mental health issues through using animals.

"It's just magic. They're not just putting all their eggs in one basket and they really need a big pat on the back."