YOUNGSTERS at Hexham’s Priory School have been rewarded for a year of achievements during horse riding lessons.

The pupils, aged between four and 11 and who have learning difficulties, attend weekly sessions with the Tynedale branch of the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) which has recently moved from Slaley to Ponteland.

“It’s one of the highlights of the week for them,” said Sarah Nixon, head of the school’s primary department.

“They get such a lot of enjoyment out of it and, at the same time, it improves their balance, co-ordination and communication.”

The RDA team has worked closely with the school for decades, with staff attending speech and language and autism training sessions to ensure they are fully equipped to support the young students.

This year, Joseph Hunt, Archie Alnwick, Harry Forrest, Harry Lowerson, Jack Renton, Jake Jeffrey, Nathaniel Sabou, Oscar Kennedy and Sam Rivkin all received rosettes in recognition of their efforts.

The Stephen Clarke Memorial Trophy, presented to the student or students who have made the most progress throughout the year, was given to Ben Allen and James Nicholls.

The trophy was donated to the school by the family of former pupil Stephen Clarke, who attended the school for 17 years before his death in 1996.

Stephen’s mother, Maureen Clarke, presented the trophy.