HORSE riders in Ilkley will saddle up as part of a campaign to reduce the number of accidents involving horses and riders on the road.

A group of more than 20 riders will hit the trail through the town, on Saturday, from Ben Rhydding Drive to Brook Street.

They will be joined by supporters on foot, who will distribute campaign flyers containing important safety messages for motorists.

Fiona Barr, who is organising the ride, said the aim of the campaign was to achieve a better understanding between motorists and horse riders.

She said: "We want to work with motorists to try to reduce the number of accidents involving horses and riders and to make the roads a safer place for everyone.

"Any rider having to venture out on the roads - no matter how well behaved their horse is - knows how dangerous this can be."

The event is being co-ordinated nationally by Horse magazine, Horse and Hound and the British Horse Society to help make the road a safer place for horses and riders.

Ms Barr said the issue needed to be highlighted in Ilkley after a number of near collisions with motorists.

She said: "Everybody I know has had a near miss with car drivers or motor cyclists or whatever.

"I do not know of any actual deaths or serious accidents but there are a lot of cases of people not remembering what the safety rules are and passing too closely and scaring horses. It is a problem in Ilkley as it is around the country."

Ms Barr, of Otley, who keeps a horse at Low House Farm Stables, in Ben Rhydding, said the day was not designed to point the finger at motorists but to remind horse riders, too, of safety precautions they can take.

She said: "As well as highlighting our safety concerns to motorists, the road safety campaign is very much about urging horse riders to behave correctly on the roads too."

Barbara Davy, of the Ilkley Community Against Speeding group, said she and fellow members would be more than happy to show their support for the campaign - and would be turning out on the day. Mrs Davy, of Skipton Road, who has long campaigned for greater speed restrictions in Ilkley, said: "We would be supportive to them, obviously. Its our concern that road users, others than cars, are getting a poor deal.

"As cars are getting safer and safer, with seat belts and air bags, people are losing awareness of the dangers for other road users, such as horse riders."

Any riders or foot followers who wish to join in the ride, which will depart at 10am, should telephone Fiona Barr on (01943) 465273 or (0774 7758222)