HORSE riders are being given a code of conduct because of the increasing numbers using a park.

Herrington Country Park, in Sunderland, has produced information leaflets advising riders how to make the most of the 150 hectare site and its 5km horse walk.

Advice in the document, being distributed to local stables, riding schools, libraries and council offices, includes the type of insurance required, the best kind of reflective clothing to wear, site safety, horse and rider safety, and contact details.

Keith Hamilton, city landscape and reclamation manager, said: "When we began developing the site, which is the largest urban park in the country, we wanted to provide facilities for as diverse a range of outdoor activities as possible.

"Horse riding is very popular in Sunderland, and the park provides a perfect place in which to enjoy the hobby, although we should have some guidelines so the horses don't interfere with everyone else's enjoyment of the place.

"We've planted trees, shrubs and 45 hectares of grassland, which need time to get established, so we need the horses to stay on the horse walk."