TWO farmers have been praised for showing the way ahead for horse riders.
East Cleveland landowners William Wardman and Gerald Towers have been presented with a Rider's Charter Award for their efforts in helping to create safe bridleways.
The awards were made by the British Horse Society. The pair's work was the result of a partnership between the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Tees Forest, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and the Countryside Agency.
Wendy Suddes, the society's development officer in the North-East, hopes the example set by the Yearsby farmers will be followed by others.
Mr Wardman farms and has stables at Thrushwood Farm, near Redcar. Mr Towers, of Turner's Arm Farm, has added almost 4km to the local bridleway network.
Nationally, the society estimates there are about eight horse-related accidents every day. The new routes will play a crucial role in reducing the amount of time riders in the Redcar and Marske area spend on open roads, said Defra advisor Jim Milner.
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