STAFF are now being sought for the multi-million pound rehabilitation centre for injured jockeys in Malton.

Jack Berry House is currently under construction at a two-acre site near Malton and Norton Rugby Club.

The £3 million facility, which will include a hydrotherapy pool, respite accommodation, a gym and various treatment rooms, is due to open in February next year and will be the Injured Jockey Fund's (IJF) second rehabilitation centre in the country.

Lisa Hancock, Chief Executive of the Injured Jockeys Fund, said work was going well and the building work was on schedule.

"We are now in a position to start looking for staff and making our first appointments," she added.

"Initially we are looking for a manager who we are aiming to have in place before the contractors leave."

Lisa said they would also be looking to appoint a gym manager and physiotherapist with hydrotherapy experience.

"Our hydrotherapy pool is on its way from the manufacturers in the US and should be in place in the next couple of weeks," she added.

"We are getting to a very exciting stage in the development of the centre."

As part of a fundraising appeal, more than 2,000 people and horses will have their names inscribed on bricks used in the building work.

The centre will also feature a life-sized statue of Jack Berry, vice-president of the IJF, who has been the driving force behind bringing the project to life.

Support has been forthcoming from across the racing community including a Middle Eastern prince.

Sheikh Joaan, a member of the Qatar royal family, has agreed to donate prize money accrued by 20 of his horses to Jack Berry House.

Lisa said: "We have had a huge amount of people asking when we are opening and there is a considerable amount of interest in the new centre.

"It is looking really good and we think it sits really nicely next to the rugby and cricket club. We are all looking forward to seeing the work completed and Jack Berry House up and running.