A CHARITY that offers horse riding therapy to disabled people has won £3,000.

The Unicorn Centre, in Hemlington, Middlesbrough, will spend the money on a new pony.

The charity won most votes in the Lloyds Community Bank Appeal, a total of 40 per cent of all votes cast.

BENEFIT CONSULTATION: Hartlepool Borough Council is consulting local residents on a proposal to change the local council tax benefit scheme. In April of this year the Government made local councils responsible for local schemes to provide help with Council Tax, known as the Local Council Tax Support (LCTS) scheme. Consultation documents can be found at the library or online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LCTS2013 or by calling John Morton at Hartlepool Council on 01429 523003 or email john.morton@hartlepool.gov.uk.

STOCKTON SPARKLES: Activities are on-going as part of the Stockton Sparkles Christmas festival this week. In the Parish Gardens there will be a children’s trail to find the secret reindeer, face painting and art and craft activities. Bespoke ice sculptures on display in the gardens and more events are planned in the coming days. For more information visit www.stockton.gov.uk/stocktonsparkles