Young rider Anna Dawson has reached the final of a national show jumping championship, in a competition that attracted thousands of entrants in the early rounds held countrywide.

The Ferryhill-based 12-year-old has gained a place in the Dengie Winter League Pony Club Show Jumping Championship final, due to be held at Warwickshire College in the Midlands tomorrow.

Anna finished third at the Area 2 Dengie regional final staged at Blackdyke Farm Equestrian Centre, near Carlisle, picking up one of four tickets to the national final on offer.

The Barnard Castle School pupil was riding for the South Durham Hunt Pony Club and was among 13 riders to make the timed jump-off, on her 13.2hh dapple grey gelding Merlin.

"Anna was drawn fourth and really went for it against the clock," said her mother Rachel Dawson. "She held the lead until the 11th rider - then both that rider and the next one in just pipped her!"

This season has been Anna's first attempt at the Dengie series, although she has been on Pony Club horse trials teams in the past.

"Merlin is a registered New Forest pony who we had as a foal out of the Forest," Mrs Dawson added. "He is eight now and Anna hunted him all winter with the Zetland, and she has been a member of the South Durham Pony Club since she was just three.

Anna and Merlin have been in good recent form in indoor show jumping competitions, with a double win at a Stainsby Grange unaffiliated show two weeks ago.