AN equestrian star looks set to make a full recovery from a riding accident that left him fighting for life.

Leading Northumberland horse trials competitor David Herron, 27, was in a coma for weeks after a fall three months ago in which his horse collapsed underneath him during an event in Scotland.

He is now talking confidently to hospital visitors for the first time.

Mr Herron is also able to walk around following two weeks of intensive physiotherapy and speech therapy at Hunter's Moor Hospital, in Newcastle.

The rider, who runs his own event and equestrian yard at Tranwell near Morpeth, has not been put off by the accident at the the Burgie International Horse Trials in June, and has already said that he would like to return to the sport.

His plight led friends in the North-East equestrian world to set up a support group to help him and his family during his recovery.