PEOPLE interested in horse care are being urged to snap up places on summer courses.

The Unicorn Centre at Hemlington is organising the sessions, which begin in July.

An Access to Horse Care course starts on July 3 and runs for two weeks, Monday to Friday.

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 wanting to just do a short course and receive a certificate.

Applications should be made as soon as possible and forms are available from Middlesbrough College on 01642 333333.

The free basic skills course starts on July 31, running for four weeks, 15 hours a week.

It has been designed by the Unicorn Centre in conjunction with Middlesbrough College to help people aged 16 and over, especially those with learning difficulties, to assess their own capabilities and find out whether working with horses is viable for them.

Contact Middlesbrough College for an application form or Unicorn Centre manager Claire Jones on 01642 576222.

Ms Jones said: "These courses are aimed at young disabled and able-bodied persons who are interested in horses and would like to learn more.

"We have been running the NVQ course for two years now, and it has been very successful, with a good mix of students."