THE Unicorn Centre at Hemlington is offering free places on summer courses for young people who are interested in horses.

The centre is a member of the Riding for the Disabled Association and provides riding and therapy for the disabled as well as training in horse care and management for able-bodied and disabled young people.

The TROCN-accredited Introduction to Horse and Pony Care course starts on August 2 and runs for two weeks. This is the compulsory assessment course for progression on to the Unicorn Centre's one and two-year full-time NVQ courses starting in September.

But it can also be attended by anyone just wanting to do a short course and receive a certificate. Interviews take place on July 14 and 15, so applications should be made as soon as possible.

The Basic Skills in Horse and Pony Care course will also start on August 2. It will run for four weeks for 15 hours a week.

This also is a TROCN-accredited pre-NVQ course designed by the Unicorn Centre in conjunction with Middlesbrough College to help people of 16 years and over, particularly those with learning difficulties, to assess their own capabilities and find out whether working with horses is viable for them.

Application forms are available from the Unicorn Centre on 01642 576222.

Claire Pitt, centre manager, said: "Places are limited and are filling up quickly, so anyone interested should get in touch as soon as possible.

"The calibre of students completing the courses has been very high, resulting in the Unicorn Centre employing several of its past students."