A RIDING centre for the disabled is celebrating a funding triumph.

The Unicorn Centre at Hemlington has been awarded £75,000 in lottery cash for a new education wing at the site.

And with more cash coming from the Tees Valley TEC before it was disbanded, the whole of the £125,000 project has been paid for.

Unicorn spokesman Julie Elphee said: "We have hit the jackpot. To get just the funding we asked for is a real joy."

The new wing will feature a kitchen, toilets, office and an extended viewing centre. It is hoped work will start in mid-July with an opening for the start of the September term.

"This will really increase the facilities we can offer," said Mrs Elphee.

As well as providing facilities for the Cleveland Riding for the Disabled Association, the Unicorn also offers training and education courses for people wanting to work with horses.

At the moment, students can take NVQs but this range will be boosted once more space is available.

There will also be room for a volunteer co-ordinator who will be able to use enhanced training facilities in recruiting volunteers. The Unicorn will be able to host more RDA training conferences and seminars.

"We also hope to extend out into the community and work more with people in the area," said Mrs Elphee.

On the downside, the Unicorn is suffering from the foot-and-mouth outbreak. "It has hit us for six," she said.

All outside activities have been stopped - shows, competitions and private hire.

Up to the end of April, the centre will have lost around £1,700, but a grant of £5,000 from a trust will help the charity to survive during the crisis.

Mrs Elphee said the Unicorn was doing normal lessons and more in-house work for RDA riders. There are also more pony care days and the centre is opening Sundays.