WINSFORD Careers Centre has helped a school-leaver over the first hurdle in pursuing the job of his dreams.

Jonathan Longden, aged 16, of Wharton Gardens, shocked family and friends when he told them he wanted to be a jockey, even though he had never ridden a horse.

But thanks to the dedication of staff at Winsford's careers service - based in Wyvern House - and his own determination, Jonathan has earned himself the opportunity to pursue his life-long ambition.

Beryl Hough, an employment training advisor at the centre, said: "He came into the office and I asked him what his dream job would be. He said he'd always wanted to be a jockey but had never even been near a horse.

"I thought to myself 'that's a tall order' but decided to give it a try anyway."

The careers centre arranged an interview for Jonathan in Newmarket, where they run a jockey training scheme, and he was unfortunately turned down.

But the trainers at Newmarket advised him to call the North Racing College, in Doncaster, which has a similar course, and Jonathan was accepted on a 10-week trial which he starts next week.

If all goes well Jonathan will be signed up as a full trainee for two years and after that he will be found a placement at a racing stables.

The careers service also put Jonathan in touch with Spring Skills, the Winsford-based training provider, which managed to arrange a work placement for him at Whitegate Riding School, on Abbots Walk in Whitegate, cleaning out the stables.

And he was obviously over the moon when he was offered free riding lessons there until the start of his course.

Jonathan said: "I would really like to thank Whitegate, especially Lynn Salmon, who gave me the opportunity to ride the horses. They've been really great."

The dedicated Lester Piggot fan is also indebted to Mike Carr at Normid TEC who provided sponsorship to help with travelling expenses; Mr Gibson, at Kingsley Mill, who gave him some jodhpurs, and Sett Valley Saddlery, in Stockport, which donated other equipment.

"Racing horses is something that I have always wanted to do and my ultimate dream is to win the Grand National," Jonathan said.

Beryl Hough added: "Obviously we can't make everyone's dreams come true and give them the chance they have always wanted, but we're delighted that in this case we could."

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