LESSONS are having to be cut back at a riding centre for the disabled because of a critical shortage of volunteers.

The shortage is hitting classes and revenue at the Unicorn Centre, in Hemlington, near Middlesbrough.

Chairman Julie Elphee said: "We have a serious shortage of volunteers to help with the riding lessons we provide for disabled children and adults, with the worst shortfall in the evenings and Saturdays. At times, we have had to cancel lessons because of this, causing obvious disappointment to our riders, and reduction in revenue."

Despite the fact that Claire Dearden, one of the centre's volunteers, won the North- East Millennium Volunteer of the Year award in London recently, the shortage of volunteers is causing the centre problems.

Volunteers are also needed to join the centre's fundraising committee. With no outside funding, fundraising is vital to the centre's survival.

All volunteers must be aged 14 or over, and can help in the stable yard, mucking out, grooming, tacking up horses, and leading ponies or sidewalking with riders. Full training is given.

For details, telephone the centre on (01642) 576222.