A MAYOR has been horsing around with international athletes from Keighley.

Cllr Abid Hussain, the Lord Mayor of Bradford, met riders T-Jay Wilson and James Reed-Griffiths on a visit to Haworth Riding for the Disabled’s stables.

He chatted with the pair during their preparations for next spring’s Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi.

T-Jay and James are among five athletes with learning disabilities from the district training under the umbrella of Bradford Disability Sport and Leisure (BDSL).

They will be part of a 129-strong squad representing Great Britain during the seven-day competition in March next year.

When he met T-Jay and James, Cllr Hussain announced a £1,000 grant from his Wishing Well appeal to help with BDSL’s fundraising to cover the cost of the trip.

Cllr Hussain said: “I’ve been following the Special Olympics for a long time and are very supportive of the various events, and now I take great delight in being able to support them financially.”

Cllr Hussain, who represents Keighley Central ward on Bradford Council, hopes to go to Abu Dhabi to watch the five Bradford district athletes in the World Games.

BDSL funding officer Barry Thorne said: “I’ve known the Lord Mayor for a lot of years and he’s always been supportive of those. I really enjoyed seeing him riding a horse when he met T-Jay and James.”

T-Jay and James will go to Abu Dhabi, along with basketball player Neil Hartley, cyclist Ella Curtis and golfer Mark Rhodes. Tim Curtis, from Bradford, will be a GB coach in the cycling team.

BDSL has to raise £16,000 for the five athletes and their coach, and T-Jay and James have to help raise £3,500 for their share.

Anyone willing to help with the fundraising should contact BDSL funding officer Barry Thorne by e-mailing bsr1@btconnect.com or calling 07423 431629.