A horse ride is to take place in memory of a horse breeder killed by cancer, at the age of 23.

Andrew Moody died of bowel cancer at the end of last year and, next month, a sponsored horse trek takes place through Hamsterley Forest, County Durham, in his memory.

Mr Moody grew up on a farm in Escomb, near Bishop Auckland, and began riding horses at five years old.

By the time he was 18, he had his own business breeding and showing mostly appaloosa horses, which went from strength to strength.

He produced several national champions and exported the first appaloosas to Norway, in 1996.

Friend Tracy Nilsen decided to organise the sponsored ten-mile trek in his memory and to raise money for the charity, Beating Bowel Cancer.

Ms Nilsen said: "Andrew was a friendly, outgoing, positive person right to the end, never complaining or thinking of himself, and showed much courage throughout his illness.

"He had a great sense of humour and was somewhat of a practical joker, who brought a lot of happiness into my life and many others, and for all of these things and more, he is dearly missed and never forgotten."

The ride is on Sunday, April 22. Admission is £10 or £12 on the day.

For further information, contact Tracy on (01388) 767165.