DISABLED youngsters could be left heartbroken if vital volunteers are not found to help with pony riding lessons.

Two specially-trained ponies trot along to the Priory Woods Special School, in Ormesby, Middlesbrough, every week for a two-hour session with youngsters.

Six volunteers from the Riding for the Disabled Association give 20 children with multiple disabilities, aged five to seven years, a riding and therapy session.

However, a shortage of volunteers is jeopardising the service, which has been running on a Thursday morning for more than 20 years.

Claire Pitt, manager at the Unicorn Centre, Hemlington, which provides the service, said yesterday: "If more volunteers cannot be found, the riding will have to be axed.

"Due to the special needs of the children, we need people who can support them during the sessions - for safety and ease.

"The kids really enjoy the lessons."

Julie Elphee, a riding instructor at Priory Woods, said: "The children really love these taster sessions.

"They are all so excited when we arrive with the horse trailer - their faces light up.

"Riding is particularly beneficial to children with severe disabilities and we have seen great progress with many of them.

"Some of the children have improved so much that they are able to have riding lessons away from the school at the Unicorn Centre."

Bernadette Knill, headteacher of Priory Woods, said: "The children cannot ride at the centre, as it would take up a whole morning and we would need transport and a large number of staff to accompany them.

"With the ponies coming to school, the children can have their individual riding lessons without disrupting the school timetable.

"It would be a real shame to lose the service."

Volunteers would be required to make a commitment to a two-hour session every Thursday morning during term time at Priory Woods.

There are always vacancies for volunteers at the Unicorn Centre on Mondays through to Saturdays, daytime and evenings. Experience with horses is not essential, although it will help.

The next volunter induction is on April 27, at 6pm.

Call the Unicorn Centre for more details on (01642) 576222 or visit www.communigate.co.uk/ne/unicorn