A teenager from Truro and her rescue pony have qualified for a prestigious national equestrian event.

Lucia Carruthers and Storm Cloud will take part in the Your Horse Live Championships in Warwickshire in November.

Lucia and Dartmoor pony Storm Cloud made the trip to Hartpury University near Gloucester for the inaugural SEIB Search for a Star qualifying event on April 13, fighting off strong competition to win the In-Hand Rescue Horse or Pony class.

Storm Cloud came in on the drift from Dartmoor at six months old, and was taken in by the Mare and Foal Sanctuary in Newton Abbot due to his poor condition.

"The sanctuary were honest about him when we went to see him, so we knew what we were taking on - we have to really respect his space,” said Lucia's mother, Kerry Carruthers.

“As Lucia has autism and a visual impairment, she and Storm Cloud have helped each other out. They've needed each other over the last few years.”

Lucia added: "I'm really proud of the progress Storm Cloud has made. He will stay with us forever. I'm too tall to ride him now but we will continue showing in-hand."

The Search for a Star contest was launched in 1996 to give opportunities for amateur riders to compete at the Horse of the Year Show. The In-Hand Rescue Horse or Pony class is run in association with the Rescue Equine Showing Society.

Organiser Nicolina MacKenzie said: "The class recognises the time, care and attention that goes into taking on a rescue pony. The story of how Lucia and Storm Cloud have helped each other overcome adversity is heartwarming."

For further updates, visit the SEIB Search for a Star Facebook page or www.seib.co.uk/competitions