CONCERNS for the safety of young horse-riders has prompted warnings to motorists to give them a wide berth.

Riders frequently use roads in and around Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, to reach a nearby livery stables or off-road tracks. But a number of incidents where youngsters have nearly been knocked off their horses has led to a call for drivers to be more careful.

Durham County Councillor Jim Cordon has arranged for horse-warning signs to be put up around the village and is asking drivers to be patient when they come across horses.

He said: "A father recently told me on one occasion the horse was scared by a motorist who didn't slow down and it threw her off. She's okay, but in that kind of situation you have a frightened horse running around which you have to get under control. It's a recipe for disaster.

"These youngsters want to get off road, but unfortunately they have to negotiate a mile or two of road in order to access the countryside."