A RIDING school has paid tribute to a talented young horsewoman who died in hospital five days after suffering head injuries in a jumping accident.

An inquest heard Christine Dewhurst, 24, of Chapel Rise, Billington, had been competing at Osbaldeston Hall Farm Riding School, in Osbaldeston Lane, on February 6 when she fell from her mount and was kicked on the head.

She was underwent surgery twice at the Royal Preston Hospital, but died on February 11.

A spokeswoman for the riding school said the accident had happened while Christine was taking part in a jumping competition.

She said: "We are all shocked. I did not know her personally, but she had been here for jumping competitions before and was a good rider.

A colleague of Christine's at Johnsons The Cleaners, in Castle Street, Clitheroe, said: "I hadn't known her long, but she was a lovely girl."

Christine's family were too upset to comment.

A spokesman for the Health and Safety Executive said any investigation into the accident would be carried out by the local authority.

The inquest was adjourned to April 11.