CONCERNED horse riders from across the Fylde are mounting a campaign highlighting the dangers of Blackpool's busy rural roads.

Around 70 of them will saddle up their mounts on National Horse and Road Safety Day this Saturday and set off with a mounted police escort on a trek around Marton Moss.

Their aim is to reduce the increasing number of accidents involving horses and riders on the roads by making the motorist aware of the dangers of overtaking horses.

Tracey Simpson of Cleveleys, whose daughter Keeleigh's horse was scarred in an accident several weeks ago, said the message they wanted to get over to the motorist was clear.

"All we want them to do is pass wide and slow," she said. "There are too many accidents involving horses and many of them could be avoided if the motorist would only slow down and pass wide. It doesn't sound very much to ask but you'd be surprised how many motorists show little or no regard for horses. "Every horse has an individual personality and they all react to situations in a different way," she said. "The motorist needs to be aware of things which can frighten a horse, like driving too close, revving engines, loud music and slamming of car doors."

Tracey, who has forbidden Keeleigh from riding along the road, is particularly concerned about the speed of traffic on School Road. She said: "We are desperate for traffic calming measures such as a speed camera on this road. It is so dangerous for the rider and there are so many stables in this area it is difficult to find an alternative route."

Riders and pedestrians will set off from the Tack Box field on the corner of Midgeland Road and Moss House Road at 11am. Any riders in the area are welcome. For further details contact Tracey on (01253) 858373.

Pictured here are Keeleigh in the centre and mum Tracey on her right.