THE British Horse Society this week celebrated its 60,000th member - with more than 2,000 in the North region.

BHS president Noel Edmonds presented 29-year-old Lucy Haynes with champagne, a certificate and two years' free membership of the society, a charity which works for riders and horses.

The North region's development officer Wendy Suddes said: "We are absolutely delighted in the North region that the 60,000-member mark has been passed nationally.

"There is increasing enthusiasm throughout the North of England for the work of the British Horse Society - we have seen a steady climb in membership as a result."

The presentation, which took place at award-winning Ross Nye's stables next to Hyde Park, London, came after a rapid increase in the society's membership.

Mr Edmonds said: "I'd like to thank and congratulate everyone who has contributed to the BHS reaching this wonderful milestone.

"Breaking through the 60,000-member barrier gives the BHS more influence in everything it undertakes. New members are joining us every day now and I would urge every one of Britain's 2.5m riders to join the BHS and reap the huge benefits of being part of the UK's foremost equestrian organisation."