BIG-hearted readers of the D&S Times have saved the day for a disabled rider.

They rallied round so that Miss Isobel Reynolds can compete in a riding challenge this weekend.

Miss Reynolds is through to a national final in Warwick on Sunday but she could not afford the travelling expenses for the trip. The Unicorn centre at Hemlington, which provides riding for the disabled, would also have struggled to meet the costs because all spare cash is being spent on repairing constant vandalism to fencing around a grazing field.

But after reading of Miss Reynolds' plight, readers have not only offered a vehicle, horse-box, drivers and fuel for the journey, they made cash donations and offered other practical help.

In all, more than £1,000 has been pledged.

Unicorn centre manager Miss Claire Jones was overwhelmed: "This is fantastic," she said. "This means Isobel can now go to Warwick and do her best."

Miss Reynolds, aged 34, of Richmond, was a little more nervous as some of the aid was handed over on Monday.

"The response has been amazing," she said. "But there is a lot riding on this now and although I am looking forward to the final, I am also nervous because of all the help which has come in."

Miss Reynolds, who suffers from cerebral palsy, stepped in when another rider dropped out of the working pony and rider qualifier class at the Unicorn's summer show.

She had little experience of this type of riding but went on to win and repeat her success in the regional round. She is now the first rider from the centre to reach a national final.

After reading that cash problems could prevent her from taking part, North Eastern Tyre and Exhaust in Middlesbrough offered to provide transport for Miss Reynolds and a horse to and from Warwick.

Managing director Mr Ian Darcy, who lives in Westerdale, said: "My heart went out to her."

Sales development manager Mr Robin Pluves and his wife, Liz, will do the driving.

"I compete in equestrian events myself so I know how important it is," said Mr Darcy. "I can relate to what Isobel is going through and what the Unicorn centre is doing."

The Stockton branch of the Bradford and Bingley Building Society then weighed in with £200.

Manager Mr David McCall said: "We saw the story and thought it was a worthwhile cause."

Tesco in Catterick, where Miss Reynolds works, has given £100 towards the Warwick trip and is now organising in-store collections for the Unicorn centre.

l Help for Miss Reynolds also came from the following: £500 from Warburtons for a new saddle and tack; £250 from David Moore Ice Creams, Bedale; £50 from Mrs Le Criosette, mother of Unicorn rider Lyndsay; use of a wagon from Mr Judson of Hurworth Burn; and £40 from the yard of Malcolm and Audrey Firby, whose Richmond yard is used by Miss Reynolds to stable her own horse