NO fewer than four members of Otley and District Riding for the Disabled group received recognition of their achievements through Yorkshire and Humberside regional awards.

At the annual awards ceremony of the Federation of Disability Sports Organisation, Megan Herbert, 13, of Burley-in-Wharfedale, won the Most Promising Junior Newcomer (female) award.

In addition, Lynne Burnley, from Mirfield, won the Most Promising Senior Newcomer (female) and Paul Kitchingman, from Pudsey, won the Most Promising Senior Newcomer (male).

In view of these great results it was hardly surprising that instructor Elaine Goodall, who lives in Otley, was judged to have merited the Coach of the Year award. It is to Elaine's credit that she gained this award despite being greatly handicapped by a debilitating illness for much of the year.

In all, 19 awards were presented on the night so the Otley based group did exceptionally well to gain four of them. Other nominees from the group (for various categories) were: Richard Bromley, Nikki Francis, Bernadette Spellman, Ruth Thornton and Kathryn Wheelock.

There was further recognition for the local area as Norman Stephens, of Otley Sailing Club's 'Sail Free' Section, also gained the Service to Disabled Sport award.

Last year the Riding for the Disabled group gained two awards from the FDSO. Anne and Bruce Everall, owners of Acrecliffe Equestrian Centre, were presented with the Contribution from Industry award and deaf/blind rider Mandy Schofield won the Most Promising Senior Newcomer.

The group will have to work exceptionally hard to better this year's results but are sure to rise to the challenge.