THE Ride the Ruby Country Project is joining forces with the Hatherleigh and Holsworthy areas to support the British Horse Society's Ragwort Awareness Week in July.

Ride the Ruby Country is an equestrian and sustainable tourism project working closely with local businesses and communities.

Allied to the work being carried out by Devon County Council's Equestrian Devon Project, their aim is to make local people aware of opportunities arising through the development of the network of routes for riding, cycling and walking.

Teams will set out from Coles Mill Stables in Holsworthy at 10.30am on Saturday July 16 to target areas where Ragwort is growing.

Ragwort is a common weed that grows throughout Britain. It contains toxic alkaloids, to which horses are particularly susceptible, although other grazing animals are at risk. The presence of ragwort has increased in recent years.

Ruby Country's Ragwort Awareness event is sponsored by Cornwall Farmers, Coles Mill Stables and the Forestry Commission.