AN equestrian from East Lancashire has scooped the top prize in a national riding competition.

Virginia Rajski, from Accrington and District Riding Club, competed against over 1,000 other riders to claim first prize in the Ultimate Showcase of Champions at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate.

Virginia, of Longsight Road, Langho, and her three-year-old Apaloosa horse, Moorhey Kittihawk, worked together with a magnificent level of determination,' according to judges.

The duo put on an outstanding show in the unusual coloured in hand class and in hand coloured championship, securing a place in the supreme in hand championships and the title of Ultimate Champion 2006.

Virginia said: "I am absolutely thrilled, I can't believe that I got this far.

"We had a fantastic day and are still reeling from the excitement of the event. I can't wait for next year."

Emma Verity, show director, said: "The judges were extremely impressed with the standard of entries, the quality of both horses and riders was superb."