DAMIEN, a pony at the Conquest Centre, finally met some of his sponsors last week - a group of children from Dunster First School.

The school has helped to sponsor Damien at the riding centre for the disabled since last year but had to wait to meet him because of the restrictions imposed by foot and mouth.

On Thursday, four pupils from year four were shown around the centre by year one pupil Lee Hartgen, who rides there once a week.

Lee, pictured on Damien, also played host to two of the learning support assistants who work with him, Tracy Moles and Jacqui Turton, and school governor Judy Jennings.

Pictured with Lee are, from the left, Muriel Haddon and Jenny Mahon, from the centre, and schoolfriends Stephanie Hartgen, Natalie Mackie, Nick Hosegood and Harry Bullock.

Photo: Steve Guscott.