WENDY Hanley couldn't believe her luck when she won a national competition to meet her hero, World No 1 event rider William Fox-Pitt.

Wendy, from Battersby Junction, entered the competition in Horse magazine and was delighted when she won the chance to walk the cross-country course with William at the Blenheim Horse Trials.

The competition was organised by William's sponsor, equine physiotherapy experts Equissage, who help to keep his team of horses fit and healthy.

Wendy said: "To get the chance to meet William and to hear his tips for riding round the course was wonderful.

"I really enjoyed the course walk and learning more about his horses and team that help to organise his competing throughout the event season."

A keen rider, Wendy competes in dressage competitions and is taught by local event rider Julie Robinson