THE organisers of a North York Moors agricultural show have thanked their long-serving horse and pony secretary, who is stepping down - and put out an appeal for a new one.

For the past 27 years Jean Davison, with help from her friends and family, has organised the horse and pony section at the Kildale Show.

This has grown over the years with generations of local families competing in all events from pony club classes to showjumping.

Jean said: “I have enjoyed my time at the show and it has been enjoyable watching competitors grow from being small children in the pony games, to adults competing in the main competition rings.

“I would like to thank the team who I could always rely upon to be there on show day. Without them, there would have been no horse and pony section.

"They all know who they are and to them: thank you.”

Andrew Sutcliffe, show chairman, said: “We would like to thank Jean for the amazing job that she and her friends and family have done, over nearly three decades, for the horse and pony section of Kildale Show.

"Thanks to the hard work and enthusiasm of Jean and her helpers, the horse and pony section of the show is very popular and successful.

“Come rain or shine, Jean was always out there on the show field, smiling and positive. She has never let us down. We owe her a huge debt of gratitude.”

Jean has now decided to step down and the show committee are looking for new volunteers.

If anyone would be interested in assisting with the horse and pony section, email show secretary Julie Covell on kildaleshowsec@hotmail.co.uk