A KEEN horsewoman has taken up the reigns of a new job to make improvements for fellow riders.

The Forestry Commission has appointed Vicky Pearson as its first equestrian development officer, covering 200,000 acres of woodland in the North-East and Cumbria.

Ms Pearson, an accomplished show jumper, will combine advancing horse riders' interests with her job as a forester, helping oversee the Forestry Commission's replanting operations.

She said: "Our forests offer a vast and accessible resource for thousands of horse riders.

"My role is to look at areas where we can improve facilities and also liaise with riders about what they want to see.

"Initially, my job will be to sit down and listen, but we're also looking at feasibility studies to create more waymarked trails."

One of the main areas to be developed will be the 5,000-acre Hamsterley Forest, near Bishop Auckland, in conjunction with Hamsterley Riding Association. The existing 17-mile network of waymarked equestrian routes could be extended using old forest tracks which have grassed over, and jumping areas could be created.

Richard Gilchrist, chief recreation ranger for the Forestry Commission, said: "We are committed to developing opportunities for all woodland users.

"Working with riders, we want to create a top-class experience, not least because horse riding is identified as a good way to stay healthy in our new Active Woods campaign."

The forest already includes paths for walking and cycling, and contains a myriad of wildlife, including deer, goshawks and butterflies, and stages a number of events throughout the year to encourage people to visit.

It is open all year round, and entry to the forest is free, but there is a car toll of £2.