PARALYMPIC hopeful Felicity Coulthard has made it into the top 10 best disabled riders in the country.

The 20-year-old, from Essex Street, Darwen, was chosen to take part in a world-class training programme earlier this year in her bid to reach the Beijing Paralympics in 2008.

And it seems the extra training with the World Class Start programme has given her the boost she needed.

Felicity, who has cerebral palsy which affects her mobility and speech, travelled with her horse Hammah to Warwickshire at the weekend to compete in the European Championships Para Trials.

Her dad Jim, who devotes most of his time to his daughter's career, said: "She came third in the grade two class and was eighth overall, which means she is now within the top 10 disabled riders right across all four grades in the country.

"Things are looking very hopeful for her becoming a full international."

And among all her training, Felicity is also hoping to help others by turning a limited company -- which she and trainer Kate Bailey have been developed for 18 months -- into a charitable trust.

The Equestrianism for All group, based in Pendle where Felicity trains, caters for riders across East Lancashire and provides the opportunities to gain access to affordable and free training, as well as facilities they may otherwise be able to afford.

Jim said: "Dressage, like all equestrian sports, is extremely costly, which more often than not restricts the accessibility to the sport, and Felicity being from a working class background appreciates this as well as anyone.

"Throughout the 16 years she has been riding we have developed our fundraising skills and this has basically supported the household income, most of which has funded Felicity's sporting aspirations.

"It is known that many individuals or families who own horses or have a basic interest are not able or willing to make such a commitment. What is more, Felicity has seen these same people show the same interest in developing their riding skills.

"Felicity and Kate intend to draw on their experience in developing Equest-rianism for All to develop a community enterprise through which they can share their wealth of knowledge with others who share their interest and enthusiasm, yet are unable to freely access the level of training and facilities necessary to fully participate in this healthy recreational sport."

They set up the group with a grant from the Neighbourhood Renewal Community Chest and recently secured funding from the National Lottery's Awards for All scheme to open up the group to people in the surrounding areas, including her hometown of Darwen.

They are now looking towards gaining charitable status during 2005.