CHAMPION racehorse Desert Orchid helped the Horses and Ponies Protection Association at Shores Hey Farm, Briercliffe, open its new veterinary centre.

HAPPA has spent £30,000 on a new solarium with heat lamps to help ease horses' muscular pains and ease sores.

A carrot on a string was presented to the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner and when the string was tugged the new unit was unveiled.