The owner of a Frankby riding school has been prosecuted for providing paid-for lessons without a licence.

Karen Shaw, the owner of Larton Riding School based at Frankby Stiles, pleaded guilty at Wirral Magistrates Court in Birkenhead to offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

These offences related to the activity of hiring out horses for riding and instruction without the required licence in place.

Wirral Council's Environmental Health team had been notified of an accident involving a child falling from a horse during a paid riding lesson at Larton Riding School on 22nd July 2021.

Officers visited Larton Riding School to investigate and found evidence that horses were being hired out for riding and instruction without the relevant licence in place for the period 1st - 23rd July 2021 and 14th September 2021.

Relevant establishments must be licensed by the Council's Environmental Health Service to ensure all animal welfare requirements are met, and veterinary and health and safety checks have been completed.

The court imposed a fine of £250, awarding the Council £1,000 in costs and a £34 victim surcharge.