Horse riders say their lives are being put at risk by motorists speeding in a quiet country lane.

Members of Raikes Hall Livery Yard bridleway group have become afraid to use the narrow road, the only way in and out of their stables, following a series of accidents.

Many of them have now taken to riding two abreast for their own protection.

They claim the incidents are being caused by impatient drivers on Raikes Lane in Tong who are squeezing past their horses at speed.

Police and Bradford Council's Traffic Unit are also concerned for riders and have said they wish to see more warning signs introduced on the road.

Sandy Whitfield, pictured, of Bradford Road, Birkenshaw, saw her daughter scream out as her panicked horse Shooter leapt in fear of an aggressive van driver who was heading straight for her.

Sandy said: "He was just a complete maniac. I thought he was going to kill us. He ignored our appeals to slow down and Shooter flipped and tried running backwards away from him.

"Since then he has been a nervous wreck and very edgy on the road."

Rider Pat Wilkinson, 51, of Peckover Drive, Pudsey, claims she has been thrown from her own horse twice in recent weeks as a result of vehicles driving too close.

She says she has also encountered police chases, joy riders and burned out vehicles along the winding lane.

"There will be a death here unless something is done soon," she said.

"There are very bad feelings between riders and drivers. I think many of them think we are hogging the road and have no right to be here.

"The lane is very narrow and some drivers have no patience. Many of them rev their engines loudly to panic the horses."

Mrs Wilkinson has called for the Council to make the road safer by introducing speed bumps and traffic restrictions.

Steve Thornton, of the Council's highways department, said: "We are concerned about the safety of horses and riders on Raikes Lane.

"We are looking at signing to improve safety and I have also suggested meeting with riders to discuss the situation."

A spokesman for West Yorkshire police said it would be asking the Council to place signs warning motorists the road is used by riders. He added: "Motorists should show care and consideration for horses and their riders."