A TEAM of Teesside riders braved searing temperatures to compete in the Riding for the Disabled Association's national championships.

And Jessica Boal, riding Murphy II, rode off with first prize in the junior section of her dressage class.

Nine riders, four horses and a support team of instructors and volunteers from Middlesbrough's Unicorn Centre travelled to the event at Hartpury College, Gloucester.

The riders competed in either dressage, the best turned-out competition or the horse/pony and rider competition, which consists of riding through a course of obstacles.

Heidi Hutchinson, Unicorn Centre yard manager, said: "Everyone rode really well, and the turnout of the riders and ponies was fabulous. Next year is going to be even better."

Gemma Hodgson, also riding Murphy II, came fifth in her dressage class, and Stephen Pratt, Hannah Russell and Jessica Boal were placed sixth in their individual sections on Buttons, Murphy and Murphy II respectively.

Sarah Smith and Keith Thomas both had falls during their classes, but still managed to walk away smiling.

In the horse/pony and rider competition, Stephen Pratt was fifth and Mark Walker was seventh, both riding Buttons in the senior section.

Lauren Waite came 11th on Murphy II in the junior section. Kate Telford also competed on Biggles in the junior section.