OUR annual Gannett Foundation scheme is one of the best bits of the year.

Through the generosity of the foundation, the charitable arm of this paper’s parent company Gannett, we are able to make a real difference to some worthy causes across the county.

The process acts as a great reminder that there are so many groups, from small charities to big organisations, that are dedicated to making the lives of others better.

And our three grant winners demonstrate that, with each differing greatly from each other in the services they provide but all being fantastic causes.

The joy on the faces of the disabled people who get to ride the horses provided by Abingdon RDA is all you need to see to know how wonderful their work is.

Their grant will mean the horses get better shelter during the harsh winter months.

ARCh in Bicester is helping children across the county to improve their reading, with demonstrable results as Oxfordshire’s Key Stage 2 stats continue to improve.

And Katharine House hospice will be able to transport more disabled patients thanks to the new minibus the grant will go towards.

They are all very worthy winners.