A PIONEERING fundraiser has received one of the highest accolades at the annual Millennium Volunteer of the Year Awards.

Claire Dearden, 24, of Eston, Teesside, was named the North East's Millennium Volunteer of the Year, in recognition of the difference she has made to students at her local riding centre for the disabled.

Judges praised her dedication to students at the Unicorn Centre, Hemlington, Middlesbrough, where her encouragement and communication skills have been instrumental in helping many pass their NVQs in horse care.

She also pioneered a fund-raising scheme called Adopt-a-Pony, which raised valuable funds and awareness of the centre.

After receiving the prize at a ceremony in London, she said: "It was amazing. When they called my name out I could not stop shaking with excitement.

"It was a complete surprise and I still have not really got over it."

The accolade marks five years' of tireless voluntary work, but Ms Dearden, who is a supervisor at boarding kennels near Stokesley, North Yorkshire, said it was worth every minute. She said: "I had the time to volunteer and I liked working with animals so I thought why not help out, but I did not expect to win any awards from doing it."

The development officer of the Unicorn Centre, Chris Ray, said: "We are very proud of Claire's achievement. It is just reward for all her hard work."

Radio One DJ Trevor Nelson, who presented her with the award, said: "She has had a tremendous impact on the lives of those in her community."