ONE of the region's top teenage riders has achieved her dream of winning international honours.

Joanne Little, from Howden-le-Wear, near Crook, County Durham, and her chestnut pony, Decka, have been chosen for a British event team competing in Haagen, Germany, on July 24 to 27.

The 16-year-old, who has just finished her GCSEs at Parkside Comprehensive School, Willington, is thrilled at being selected after trials in Wiltshire at the weekend.

She said: "I am really excited. I couldn't believe it when they read my name out, and I still can't. It is something I have always wanted."

Before she can make the trip to Germany, Joanne and her family have to overcome the hurdle of raising hundreds of pounds to pay for travel and other expenses.

On Saturday, her friends in the Braes of Derwent Pony Club are staging a Fun on Four Legs fundraiser at Low Fold Farm, near Willington, which starts at 1pm.

Sponsors Dean Bank nurseries are one of a number of businesses helping out. Woolworth's Bishop Auckland store is running a tombola and Derby House Saddlery has added its backing.