A unique horse-based Weymouth charity for mental ill-health sufferers has been rewarded by a programme offering free hotel breaks to worthy winners.

TheHorseCourse's Jo Tucker was chosen from among the region's dedicated charity workers for a free hotel stay courtesy of Room to Reward's 'Hidden Hero' programme.

Jo, the 200th recipient of the 'Hidden Hero' award, was nominated by the charity's CEO Harriet Laurie in recognition of her dedication to the charity, which runs innovative programmes to help people suffering with mental illness. Jo will receive a complimentary two-night stay at a hotel in the New Forest with her partner - and her dog.

Jo has been part of TheHorseCourse team for three years, working at the charity's site by the Wey near Broadwey.

“I really enjoy helping people learn how to feel calm, to be more assertive and to find ways to make their lives that much easier,” she said.

TheHorseCourse sees more than 200 people referred to its equine-assisted intervention programme every year, from institutions including schools, NHS mental health services, offender services, troubled families and specialist agencies.

CEO Harriet said: “Jo is a highly trained facilitator who works on a one-to-one basis with our participants, who in some cases exhibit extremely challenging behaviour.

"Jo is unfailingly kind, patient and understanding with them all, and has a particular talent for the extremely anxious ones, achieving remarkable results and significant improvements in their confidence."

Room to Reward, meanwhile, is a hospitality charity that matches donated unsold hotel rooms with nominated charity staff and volunteers deserving of a break.

Charity director Adam Terpening said: “We are delighted to have reached the 200 nominations milestone. We have partnered closely with TheHorseCourse for some time and Jo epitomises the sort of Hidden Hero Room to Reward was created to say ‘thank you’ to. Her nomination was inspiring to read and a wonderful way to mark 200.”

For more information about how Room to Reward is helping charities recognise their staff and volunteers, visit: www.roomtoreward.org

For more information about TheHorseCourse, visit: www.thehorsecourse.org.