AFTER 12 months of helping to wash up in the local pub to make ends meet, the owner of a pony trekking centre is re-opening on Good Friday.

Sheila Ashby, who runs the centre at Johnston Arms, Boltby, is hoping to welcome old and new riders of all ages.

"We shut down soon after the foot-and-mouth crisis hit Thirsk as we didn't want to risk being responsible for spreading the disease," she said.

"Trouble is, our ponies didn't know this and since then have been eating their heads off while we have had no money coming in at all. I began to fear that we would never be able to open again."

Mr Ashby's husband, Jim, works the farm, which has been in the family for more than 100 years, from the farmhouse which used to be a pub.

"It's been a nightmare, and so heartbreaking when we had built the business up so well," said Mrs Ashby. "Jim lost 320 sheep and 40 cattle during the crisis so I had to go out and find some work.

"He has started contractor farming, but we hope to re-stock in the near future. Meanwhile we hope to get the trekking centre up and running again. I hope people haven't forgotten us."

Riders of all capabilities and ages can go along to centre. For details ring Mrs Ashby on 01845 537392.