HORSE riding youngster Jenny Grimshaw galloped to victory in a prestigious equestrian contest at the Royal Lancashire Show which ended on Thursday.

The 13-year-old took the top prize in the equitation section of the horse contest in her age group at the show, which took place at Ribchester, near Blackburn.

The Rivington and Blackrod High School pupil beat off eight other riders in a final containing the winners of each age category to take the main prize.

Jenny had to present her horse in front of judges, before performing a small routine of precise movements.

She has been riding Riverdance, an 18-year-old horse, for the past two months.

The horse is kept at the Grimshaw family's farm, Hole Hill Farm, in Horwich, where Jenny practises her riding four times a week.

Jenny wants to be a horseriding instructor when she is older and is coached each week at the farm by Rebecca Jenkinson.

Jenny, who has been riding since the age of four, said: "I was nervous on the day, and was surprised to win. But I'm really pleased and shocked to have done so well. My family are really proud of me. It's the biggest thing I have won so far."

Her mum Christine said: "Jenny is totally unphased by the win. We have all been far more excited than she has.

"I don't think she realises how important this prize is. She's done so well and we are very proud."