A QUARTER of a century's commitment to the welfare of horses has earned a County Durham woman the highest praise for her bravery and commitment.

The Princess Royal, who is president of the British Horse Society, presented Mrs Ailsa Pease of Sledwick Hall, Whorlton, with its award of merit for her voluntary work.

Mrs Pease was chairman of the BHS Durham County Committee for three years in the early 70s as well as welfare representative.

The society's citation said: "In the 25 years that followed, she was a dedicated, committed, and truly devoted welfare officer."

Describing her as "a brave and remarkable person", it went on: "She has tackled tough and tricky individuals with her inimitable brand of calm and courage, charming some and convincing others that what she recommended was right.

"She was very much a one-man band and would often venture alone into a welfare case, at times putting herself at considerable risk, but all the time focused on the animal concerned and with no thought for her own safety.

"Never too busy to go to an emergency, she dealt with some appalling cases and we shall perhaps never know how many she rescued, transformed and re-housed personally."

Mrs Pease is also praised for working with the RSPCA to improve its knowledge and effectiveness when dealing with horses and ponies.

She told the D&S Times: "To tell the truth I was surprised when I was told about this, because I retired a couple of years ago.

"I thought I had given my best years to it and it was time somebody else took over."

The Princess Royal told her: "This seems a very small award for all you have done."