TEN-YEAR-OLD Lucy Burke, from Richmond, has won a coveted place to ride in the famous Osborne Refrigerators Shetland Pony Grand National at Olympia next week.

She will be riding Eastlands Mighty Mark, belonging to Hickstead Horse Feeds.

The young riders, all under 5ft 1in and aged nine to 14, are as dedicated as any professional jockey. They have all worked hard to secure their places in the pony world's favourite racing fixture by competing in a series of heats across the UK throughout the year.

The annual series, which culminates at Olympia, has raised more than £250,000 for charity.