INSTRUCTORS at the Pewsey Vale Riding Centre are jumping for joy after gaining NVQ qualifications.

Staff at the equestrian centre owned by Brian Read have always been offered the chance to take the British Horse Society (BHS) exams.

This year they have also been encouraged to take National Vocation Qualification courses. The extra qualification was suggested by local equine training provider Chris Hewlett from Haddon Training Ltd. Financial support was given by the Swindon-based Learning and Skills Council.

Normally NVQs and modern apprenticeships are only funded for 16 to 25-year-olds.

Thanks to an initiative in Wiltshire for the over-25s it was possible for older instructors to take level two NVQs.

A spokeswoman for the centre said: "Many of our staff are mothers who are returning to the horse world after many years away and this programme has enabled them to update their knowledge and gain national accreditation for their practical competency."

Five women staff combined both NVQ and the BHS exams, achieving their BHS Stage I and Stage 2 qualifications along with their NVQs.

Instructors who have gained their NVQ Level 2 certificates are: Tracey Robinson, Effie Robins, Kate Nelson, Sharon Williamson, Claire Dunford, Sarah Dunford, Terry Dunford, Laura Sylvester, Nikki Harris and Rachel Ross.