FOUR years after a dream holiday in South Africa, Margaret Hoyle Fox still bears the scars.

On a visit to the Cango Wildlife Ranch, in Oudtshoorn, she was encouraged to stroke a cheetah by a tour guide who compared the animal to a domestic cat. But just seconds after she was pictured touching the animal, it gave her a savage mauling.

In the High Court at Cape Town, the North Yorkshire woman has won a legal battle forcing the ranch owners to admit liability. A separate case is to be heard to determine the level of compensation.

Mrs Hoyle Fox, of Huby, near Easingwold, needed 28 stitches in her leg following the attack and after years of physiotherapy has suffered continuing problems.

But from her hotel in South Africa, she said: "This was an excellent result. I didn't have any doubts about touching the cheetah.

"All the information they give you tells you that it is the most natural thing in the world to do. So I didn't have any problem."

She had to take months off work after the attack and still suffers from pain in the leg, and circulation problems.

Her lawyer, Clive Garner, said that despite the defendants' continued denials of liability, the evidence of a leading expert - who confirmed that cheetahs will always retain their wild instincts - was crucial in winning the case.

"Although the full amount has yet to be confirmed, they agreed to compensate Mrs Hoyle Fox for her injuries.

"She still bears the physical and emotional scars of this horrific attack, but she is a determined and courageous lady who is now keen to rebuild her life."

Mrs Hoyle Fox said: "I don't want anyone else to suffer. I went back and it was exactly the same. Hopefully, this result will change the situation."