A CLEVELAND teenager is believed to be the youngest ever winner of a major prize at the national dressage championships.

Anne-Marie Perry from Stotfold Crest Stables, Elwick, won the elementary restricted championship, which is open to all ages, at Stoneleigh, Warwickshire.

The 14-year-old was riding her young horse, Forrest Fire, a six-year-old bred locally by Fred and Joy Forrest of Barforth Hall, Gainford.

She not only won the class, but was also ninth on her other pony, Maesyfron Rhett, the Welsh Cob on which she took the under 16 pony derby at the national under 21 dressage championship.

Her mother, Mrs Lesley Perry, said her daughter was inspired by watching the top riders in Britain take part in the dressage to music championships on the Saturday.

She said: "She went for broke and it paid off. It is a marvellous achievement for such a young girl from the North East of England and we are all delighted.