Swadlincote Safer Neighbourhood Team are to step up speed checks in rural areas.

And they are focusing on the safety of horse owners while they are out on the roads.

Officers even tried going on horseback themselves before urging drivers to beware of riders on country lanes and main roads.

A post on the Swadlincote SNT Facebook page reads: "We will be stepping up speed checks on our rural areas and roads to support our rural community.

"We had the pleasure of meeting some lovely horse owners, one owner Mary Holland even had the horse prepared for the Sergeant to ride!

"When passing animals, drive slowly.

"Give them plenty of room and be ready to stop.

"Do not scare animals by sounding your horn, revving your engine or accelerating rapidly once you have passed them. Look out for animals being led, driven or ridden on the road and take extra care.

"Keep your speed down at bends and on narrow country roads.

"If a road is blocked by a herd of animals, stop and switch off your engine until they have left the road. Watch out for animals on unfenced roads.

"Be particularly careful of horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles especially when overtaking.

"Always pass wide and slowly.

"Horse riders are often children, so take extra care and remember riders may ride in double file when escorting a young or inexperienced horse or rider.

"Look out for horse riders' and horse drivers' signals and heed a request to slow down or stop. Take great care and treat all horses as a potential hazard."