A RIDING centre for disabled children and adults is desperate for volunteers to help with lessons.

The Unicorn Centre at Hemlington, near Middlesbrough, has such a serious shortage that it has been forced to make cancellations.

Julie Elphee, chairman, said: "The worst shortfall is in the evenings and on Saturdays. At times we have had to cancel lessons because of this, causing obvious disappointment to our riders, and a reduction in revenue.

"We also desperately need new volunteers to join our fundraising committee. We receive no outside funding, so it is vital to our survival.

"We work in partnership with the Millennium Volunteers scheme, who have been very supportive, providing funding for a part-time co-ordinator for a further one year. At present we are recruiting.

"All volunteers must be 14 years or over and able to help in the stable yard, mucking out, grooming, tacking up horses and of course leading ponies or sidewalking with our riders. Full training is given."

Earlier this month Claire Dearden, 24, from Eston, was named the North East's Millennium Volunteer of the year in recognition of the difference she made to students at the Unicorn Centre.

She helped many pass their NVQs in horse care and also pioneered a fundraising scheme called Adopt-a-Pony, which raised valuable funds and awareness of the centre.