last updated on July 27, 2010 16:35

An equestrian project has been named as a finalist in the Best Education category of The National Lottery Awards 2010, the annual search to find the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects.

Stepney Bank Stables, in Newcastle Upon Tyne, offers under-privileged and disabled children the chance to ride, look after and learn about horses, and develop their social and practical skills in a manner that will lead to enhanced opportunities and expectations.

This project is the only major inner city community horse project in the country and has proven the value of the horse as a tool to motivate, educate and pass on key social skills. Despite being an unusual concept it has proven a highly effective long term method of engaging disaffected and hard to reach groups.

“Stepney Bank is a fantastic place; what they are able to offer to children in the centre of Newcastle is truly amazing. The project has brought new opportunities to the community and opened doors for many individuals – they really do deserve their place in the final three”, said Emma White, Regional Development Coordinator for the North East and Yorkshire.

About The National Lottery Awards
The National Lottery Awards recognise the difference that Lottery-funded projects – both big and small – make to local communities, and celebrate the achievements of the people behind them. The Awards have seven categories – each reflecting an area of Lottery funding: sport; heritage; arts; environment; education; health (in association with iVillage.co.uk) and voluntary/charity (in association with Woman magazine).

The winners of each category will be announced during a star-studded Awards event, broadcast on BBC1 in September, and this year held at London’s Roundhouse, which is Lottery-funded.

Public voting for the final starts at 9am on 26 July and ends at midday on 13 August. The public can vote for their favourite project by going online to www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards or to register your vote for Stepney Bank Stables call: 0844 686 5540