EQUESTRIANISM: A TEAM of young show jumpers from the Crewe and District branch of The Pony Club have landed a major triumph.

A six-strong squad of Under 13s has won the intermediate class of the Winter League.

The competition runs from September to March at indoor venues throughout Area Five of The Pony Club, which stretches from Anglesey to North Cheshire and North Shropshire.

There are 14 events over the six-month period with four team members jumping two rounds each with the aim to get a double clear. The team with the least number of penalties in the fastest time wins.

At each event, points are awarded on a descending scale from six points for the winner to one for sixth place.

The winning squad comprised 12-year-olds Mykel Kenyon on Barney, Hannah Whittingham on Donut and Lucy Brydon on Cobweb and 11-year-olds Amy Davenport on Patch, Helen Dunning on Josh and Katie Heath on Dan. They finished 17 points clear of their nearest rivals.

The minis team (for Under 11s novices) also performed well to finish third in their league.

Their squad was made up of 11-year-olds Emma Reid on Crystal, Hattie Sewell on Simon and Katie Heath on Dan, along with 10-year-olds Charlotte Clewlow on Bella, Patrick Kenyon on TC and Lauren Thornborrow on Bonnie.

District Commissioner Sarah Brydon said: 'We are thrilled with the children's achievements, hard work and dedication. The parents also deserve a special 'thank you' for getting up at the crack of dawn on cold, dark weekend mornings to travel as far as Caernarfon and Anglesey.'

The Crewe and District branch of The Pony Club was established in 1965 and is part of the worldwide Teaching Youth Organisation, which aims to develop members' skills in all aspects of equine management and riding within a safe and friendly environment.

Its current membership is 47 and rising, with members drawn from Crewe, Alsager, Nantwich, and North Staffordshire.

Anyone interested in finding out more can contact Sarah Brydon on 01270 568542, or log on to www.cdpc.uk