YOUNG riders from Evesham and Broadway will be under starter's orders for a Shetland pony "Grand National" at London's Olympia Show Jumping Championships next week.

Anna McDonagh, aged 11, from Evesham and Megan Evans, 13, of Broadway are among the "jockeys" for the event during the championships, which run from next Wednesday until December 23.

Riders in the Osborne Refrigerators Shetland Pony Grand National are all under seven stones and aged nine to 13.

They qualified through a series of heats which were held across the UK, as well as taking part in other disciplines, such as showing and sponsored rides, throughout the year. Anna will be riding Claylands Captain, while Megan will be on Ulverscroft Sandstar. Racing Shetland ponies can gallop at speeds of up to 20mph, jumping 2ft 4in high brush fences. Since the annual series of races was launched, over £200,000 has been raised for charity. This year's beneficiary is Blue Cross Animal Welfare. Further information is available through the box office, on 0870 733 0733.