A school in Truro has launched a new scholarship programme to help talented young horse riders in Cornwall develop their skills while studying at the school.

Polwhele House in Truro is the only school in Cornwall to have riding facilities on site and this new venture offers a unique opportunity to combine both education and equestrian activities for keen riders in the South West.

Alex McCullough, headmaster of Polwhele House, is looking forward to welcoming the first batch of scholars, saying: "As well as being the established choir school of Cornwall, educating the choristers at Truro Cathedral, we are equally proud to be an equestrian school, offering our pupils a broad range of riding experiences.

"We are very excited to be offering new equestrian scholarships in order to provide opportunities and development for talented young riders in Cornwall."

Jo Lyall, riding instructor at Polwhele House, adds: "The riding here at school is very popular and children of all ages from the youngest ones in the nursery class right through to those at the top of the school have lessons and take part in many fun riding events.

"The more advanced riders also take part in competitions and riding clinics and to be able to expand this side of the riding school for both existing and new pupils through the introduction of scholarships is very exciting."

The riding clinics that are run by the school give riders the chance to be taught by expert and professional riders such as GB Modern Pentathlete and British Tetrathlon Champion Chris Harris and later this term, three-time Olympic medallist Mary King MBE.

Jo continued: "Having Mary King visit Polwhele House for a riding clinic is such an honour. Mary is one of the most successful three-day event riders in the history of the sport. Her amazing career includes winning six World and European gold medals and the title of British Champion a record four times. Having a riding lesson with her is something our pupils will never forget."

Polwhele House offers equestrian scholarships annually from September of each year. Children currently in Years 5, 6 and 7 are eligible to apply and will be required to attend an interview with the Headmaster and be tested on their riding and academic ability. Mr McCullough and Mrs Lyall are happy to meet candidates and their parents at any time of year to offer them a tour of the school and informal advice.

Appointments can be made or application forms requested by contacting Polwhele House School Secretary on 01872 273011 or office@polwhelehouse.co.uk.

Further information is available on the school website www.polwhelehouse.co.uk.