Norah Strang, from South Shields, co-founded The Washington Riding Centre with her husband Dr Nathan Strang, OBE, in 1977.

Based in Washington, the centre, formally known as The Strang Riding School for the Disabled, was opened by Princess Anne, and was one of the first to encourage disabled children to ride.

The idea was originally thought of as 'crazy' by her husband, who died in 1996, aged 85, but led to a revolution in recreation for the disabled, improving both physical and mental disabilities.

Both she and her husband fought for 10 years to get a site for the school, and received a donation of £20,000 from TV's Blue Peter
Appeal towards the cost of the facility.

Speaking in 1987 Mrs Strang, who died on Tuesday aged 98, said: "It's such a happy time. Yes, they are disabled, but we have great fun.

"It's jolly nice for the people who have been in wheelchairs all their lives. They have been looking up at you and suddenly they are looking down on you.''

Mrs Strang was one of the first to encourage sports and athletics among polio victims.

In its 30 years, the centre has gone from strength to strength, even seeing members of the school riding in competitions at Buckingham
Palace.

In 1981, Mrs Strang met Princess Anne again, when the royal handed over the Torch Trophy Award for more than 25 years' service to the sport.

She died in South Tyneside District Hospital after a brief illness.

The family have asked for family flowers only, but donations would
be welcome to Riding for the Disabled, the RNLI or League of Friends, which she was also active with.

A funeral service will be held at South Shields Crematorium on Friday, at 11.30am.