RIDERS across the country will be pleased to hear steps are being taken to reduce the chance of accidents being caused by low-flying aircraft.

The moves follow the death, two years ago, of rider Heather Bell, who was thrown from her horse after it was frightened by a low-flying helicopter.

The sudden overhead noise caused by a jet screaming across the sky or the thunderous, and quite ponderous, sound of a helicopter suddenly looming into sight has long been seen by many in the equestrian world as an accident waiting to happen.

Heather Bell's tragedy seems to have concentrated a few minds.

Now, the Ministry of Defence has introduced a series of key changes following a review of its low-level training flights.

They were announced at the recent British Horse Society symposium about some of the background into the briefing and its purpose. Wing Commander Jon Taylor spoke of the key changes that have occurred.

These include the routine helicopter low-flying height being raised from 50ft to 100ft above ground level; that designated helicopter training areas have been introduced; improvements have been made to helicopter traffic information system and a joint Be Seen, Be Safe campaign between the MoD and the British Horse Society to increase rider safety, has been set up.

The new and improved helicopter traffic information hotline has just been made available to members of the public, and will provide accurate information on helicopter tactical training activities within, and also outside, training areas including operating times, minimum operating heights, types and numbers. Information can also be obtained in advance of both large and small-scale helicopter exercises, wherever they occur, by telephoning 0800 515544. This applies to all MoD helicopters.

With regards to rider safety, Mr Taylor stressed the importance of or riders wearing high visibility clothing which significantly increases time to avoid problems.

He explained that if helicopter pilots did not see riders when they were more than a mile away, then they would avoid changing routes because the additional noise could scare horses.

Wing Commander Chrissie Taylor spoke the initiatives in place at RAF Shawbury.

"Communication is needed between riders and the RAF to ensure that each side knows what the other is doing," she said.

The British Horse Society's Laura Baines said: "All horse riders in the two counties can call the 0800 number to get flight times and low-level flying distance."

Copies of the leaflet The British Horse Society Military Helicopter Low Flying Safety: A Guide For Riders can be obtained from the British Horse Society, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire.