CONCERNS for the safety of young horseriders 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 stable and 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 warning signs to be put up in the village and is asking drivers to be patient when they see horses.

He said: "A father recently told me that on one occasion, a horse was scared by a motorist who did not slow down and it threw the rider off.

"She was okay, but in that kind of situation, you have a frightened horse running around which you have to get under control. It is 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.