THERE are not many charities in Teesside that can boast Royal approval, but the Unicorn Centre has had two Royal visits so far from The Princess Royal since 1998.

In1998,The Princess Royal officially opened the Riding for the Disabled Association’s Unicorn Centre at Hemlington, and then came back ten years later to join in the birthday celebrations.

The Princess Royal is President of the Riding for the Disabled Association, and is a massive supporter of the work of local groups such as the Unicorn Centre.

This year also sees another major milestone – the centre’s 15th birthday and, as one of several special events, it will be holding an open day on Sunday, April 27.

Based at Stainton Way in Hemlington, the charity provides horse riding and therapy sessions for over 200 children and adults with learning and physical difficulties at a purpose-built riding centre built with lottery funding.

Statistics show that over the 15 years around 117,000 individual rides have been delivered, supported by over 100,000 volunteer hours.

This achievement is thanks to a small team of staff supported by Trustees and the generous help of volunteers and supporters.

The centre relies entirely on fundraising, donations and income from lessons and training to provide the £280,000 it needs each year to survive.

As part of the birthday celebrations, the public are invited to visit on Sunday, April 27 between 10am and 3pm to see the facilities and meet staff and Trustees.

Riders will also be competing in the RDA regional qualifiers of the Countryside Challenge.

Qualifying riders will then progress to the RDA national finals at Hartpury College, Gloucestershire in July.

For information contact the Unicorn Centre on 01642 576222 or visit www.rdaunicorncentre.co.uk.