A 10-year-old Ulverston girl surprised the nation when she won first prize at the country's top equestrian competition.

Mollie Mae Jeffrey delighted her watching family at the Horse of the Year Show in Birmingham as she rode to victory on her pony Doylan Chilli Pepper.

The Pennington Primary School pupil won the 122cm working hunter pony class against a field of adults and more experienced competitors.

Mollie managed to jump a clear final round to clinch first prize - an achievement made all the more impressive by the fact that she has only had her horse for 15 months and Chilli was a novice when she began riding him.

The roof of Birmingham's famous NEC nearly lifted off as Mollie performed her lap of honour in front of Princess Anne.

Carol Barker, Mollie's Grandma and Chairman of the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) in Cumbria, said: "This is an achievement which all riders just dream about. This has been one amazing experience not just for the BSPS area but for our family - one which I never thought would be in our reach.”

Several other members of the BSPS Cumbria qualified and took part in the Horse of the Year Show between October 7 and 11.

Georgie Osmond, 11,from Priest Hutton, Carnforth, competed on her little pony Llafar Tia, riding a clear round in the same class as Mollie and finished with a fantastic fourth place.

Carol said: "This was a brilliant achievement for two local little girls so young who were competing against the top competitors in the country.

"I am very proud to be chairman of this local branch of the British Show Pony Society, as well as being Mollies Grandma, with so many talented, competent and hard working young riders as members.

"Praise must also be given to their parents for their help and commitment to the sport.

"The BSPS area is run by a small hard working committee who organise shows and excellent training for members and guests throughout the season.

"Many members competed at the Royal international Horse show this year as well as The Horse of the Year show.

"To qualify and be able to compete at this level is an achievement in itself and they should all be very proud of themselves.

"This year we have had a record number of members qualifying for the Horse of the Year Show from this area, and its lovely to see that smaller younger children are now being successful in this sport."