A Harpenden boy with a brain tumour defied his disability to qualify for the National Championships Riding for the Disabled Association.

Adam Sharp, 12, negotiated a tricky 12 stage countryside challenge course at the Eastern Regional Qualifiers at Oaklands College in St Albans on pony Simba to finish first in the juniors class.

He will now go on to compete in the National Championships in Gloucestershire in July.

A delighted Adam said: “I am really looking forward to the National Championships and to riding Simba again. She was brilliant and responded well to my commands.”

Proud mum, Jos Sharp added that this was the second time that Adam had qualified for the National Championships.

She said she was proud to see her son succeed in an activity he had taken up to strengthen his muscles and improve his balance.

“He has various disabilities resulting from a brain tumour,” Jos explained. “So to see him looking so professional on Simba and enjoying the event so much was very emotional.

“The whole volunteer team at RDA do an amazing job, for which I’m very grateful.”