ANIMAL lover Felicity Coulthard has ridden into the finals of a national awards scheme.

Sixteen-year-old Felicity from Darwen has been chosen as a finalist in the Bodyform Career Awards 2001.

The scheme is to help people from a range of different backgrounds achieve their career goals and ambitions.

Felicity, who has cerebral palsy, has ridden since the age of four and impressed judges with her determination to ride after an accident when she fell off her horse and broke her elbow.

Prior to that she had represented the North West and Pendle area of the Riding for the Disabled Association at national championship level.

Endorsed by the Institute of Careers Guidance which represents careers advisers in a range of organisations around the country, the award offers a share of £25,000 for people who are seeking a kick-start.

Felicity is currently studying small animal care at Myerscough Agricultural College in Clitheroe.

Her father Jim said: "She has always wanted to ride and be around animals."

Felicity beat off stiff competition from 1,000 other entrants to become one of the 100 finalists and now has to wait to find out if she has been successful.

Jim said: "Hopefully if she wins the money will go towards training costs as she had to start from scratch again after her riding accident."