A PONY club has submitted a planning application to build a cross-country course just south of the Malvern Hills.

Ledbury Pony Club wants to build the course, with 40 jumps, on land near Eldersfield.

Club spokesman Audrey Brewer said: "It's so handy to have a big open space that the members can use for riding.

"We've got 175 members, which is a major increase on five years ago, when we only had 80. We're quite an active pony club, and our members do dressage, show jumping and other activities. "

The site, at Gadbury, is just off the B4208, about a mile north of Staunton. The proposed course surrounds a prehistoric hill fort.

The application, to change the use of the land from agriculture to recreation, will be decided by Malvern Hills District Council in due course.

Mrs Brewer, the district commissioner for the club, said that it has been in existence since 1932. She said the proposed site for the cross-country course, which measures about 23 hectares, was very suitable.

"It's not overlooked by anyone and the road access is very good," said Mrs Brewer.

She said the club did not own the site.

"If all goes well with the planning application we'll be renting it off the landowners," she said.

"I hope the planners realise it is very good for the children. It keeps them off the streets and we also hold fundraising events that raise money for various local charities."

The application was submitted with a number of letters of support from riding enthusiasts and parents.