BEING urged back into the countryside left two Darlington walkers in a heap on the road after a brush with a car.

Ms Margaret Smart, aged 65, of Woodland Road and Darlington's mayoress elect, Mrs Lillian Elliot, were shaken by the incident just outside Reeth on Tuesday of last week.

Ms Smart told the D&S Times that for weeks the two women had been following routes in towns because of the foot-and-mouth restrictions.

"But a beautiful day and the government's request for a return to the countryside tempted us."

They parked in Reeth intending to walk over to Arkengarthdale for some lunch.

"We set off on a fairly quiet road obeying all the rules, facing the oncoming traffic and keeping well in."

She was on the edge of the road on the tarmac and Mrs Elliot on the grass when about a mile out of Reeth they heard a tractor approaching from behind. It took up about two-thirds of the road.

"As he passed us I was aware of something else brushing past, knocking us both to the ground.

"As we looked up we saw a pale blue car disappearing in front of the tractor."

Ms Smart added: "I have been a driver for more than 40 years. Surely your instinct is to look in the rear view mirror - and we would have been seen all in a heap.

"Worst is the shock that this unscrupulous driver did not stop."

The incident was reported to North Yorkshire police who have spoken to the tractor driver and are trying to trace the car.

Ms Smart said she hoped her experience would be a warning to other walkers who would be out on country roads in increasing numbers as the weather improves.

"I doubt the footpaths will be open for a long time yet - so beware. There are dangerous drivers out there."