A new director has been appointed at the Horse Rangers Association as it celebrates its 60th anniversary.

No stranger to being around horses, Colonel Geoffrey Godbold has ridden for more than 50 years and has been a trustee of the East Molesey children’s charity for nine years.

Col Godbold has also been a keen polo player for more than 30 years and was chairman of Ham Polo Club in Petersham for 17 years, before becoming one of the vice-presidents.

Away from horses, Col Godbold served in the Territorial Army, commanded the honourable artillery company in 1985 and is the current representative deputy lieutenant for Kingston.

Col Godbold said: “Having been very involved with cadets, horses and charities for so much of my life, I have always admired this organisation, so it is a great privilege to be asked to become its director.

“I look forward to fulfilling the role and to the positive and fun time which we are going to have.”

Col Godbold takes up the post in time for the charity’s 60th anniversary celebrations.

Richard Bevan, chairman of trustees at the association, said: “Geoffrey brings to Horse Rangers a wealth of experience in the charity and equine world, as well as tremendous enthusiasm to move the organisation forward.”