A YOUNG woman who narrowly escaped death in a horrific riding accident has called on motorists to take more care on narrow country lanes.

Anna Wood was riding her five-year-old bay thoroughbred Bindy on the B1283 road between Easington and Haswell, in County Durham, when a van struck them from behind killing her horse and leaving her badly injured.

Police investigating last month's incident have told Anna, who lives at Station Town, that her beloved horse probably saved her life.

"They told me that if I had been walking or on a cycle I would have most likely have been killed," she said.

Anne, a critical care nurse, has been devastated by the loss of the horse and her injuries mean she may be off work for about three months..

"I am struggling over the loss of Bindy, who died at the scene, and all I am hoping is that his death won't have been totally in vain and that out of this tragedy some good can come."

Anna suffered several injuries including a broken arm, which had to be operated on and a steel plate inserted.

Last night she recalled all she could of the accident.

"I was wearing fluorescent clothing and a protective hat and was about 500 yards from the stable yard when we were hit from behind."

Both horse and rider were flung 70ft and Anna, who was knocked unconscious, can remember little more.

As well as an ambulance, a vet was called but nothing could be could be done for Bindy, who was being trained by Anna for eventing.

Anna, who has been riding since she was three, appealed to motorists to be particularly vigilant on country roads.

County Durham's highways road safety officer for the British Horse Society, Margaret Hedley, warned drivers and riders that gloomy skies and low sun are twin hazards during the winter months.

Anna, who has pledged to ride again, said: "Horses are unpredictable and drivers should always give them a wide berth.

"I am hoping my plea will help avoid anyone else going through what I have."