A ROAD safety police officer has been given a prestigious national award for her work in protecting horse riders.

After years of seeing fatal and serious crashes North Yorkshire Police Sergeant Zoe Billings helped launch a special safety presentation which has been delivered to over 300 riders at joint police and horse society Events. Sgt Billings was presented with the Tarquin Trophy by the British Horse Society president Martin Clunes for her significant contribution to equine safety.

She said: “After investigating fatal and serious road collisions and seeing the devastation they cause, this is a small contribution to help keep riders safe. The presentation includes much humour and self-deprecation, and features my own horse, Megan. It’s been likened to road safety meets stand-up, which is a great way to engage people and get serious messages across.