help Bermuda Riding for the Disabled before he leaves the Island in April.

The chief officer has assisted the riding school every Saturday morning collecting and transporting hay, and helping out around the stables at Spice Valley.

But as he nears the end of his time in Bermuda, the horse-lover, who is set to return to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, said he was eager to get more people involved in the programme.

He said: "I will still be working at Riding for the Disabled every week until I go, but I am trying to get more people to volunteer their time.

"I really enjoy coming here and helping out where I can -- I love horses and it is nice to see young people getting an opportunity to either ride the horses or be with them.

"The centre is always looking for more volunteers, but hopefully before I leave we will have identified someone who can take this responsibility from us.

"It means pretty much spending a Saturday morning going out to Shelly Bay to pick up the hay, load up the truck and haul it back. I do it with another man named Frank McCallion, but he is also not going to be able to do it any more from April.

"Sometimes we end up helping out doing other things as well. It is a nice way to spend a Saturday morning.'' Mr. Lemay said as many volunteers as possible were needed, and he hoped some Police officers would be prepared to devote some time.

As little as half an hour would be welcome, he said, because every little bit counts.

He added: "Sometimes people can't afford to give more than half an hour, or half a day, but it all helps the school and the riders.

"I have really enjoyed it. It has been a break for me, but what I have enjoyed most is seeing these children in the arena having the opportunity to do something they otherwise might not be able to. It is a tremendous way to give these children courage.'' Anyone interested in helping out at the stables should call Moira Benbow at Bermuda Riding for the Disabled on 238-7433.