Calls are being made for more equestrians to wear high visibility jackets after a road traffic accident killed a horse and left its 16-year-old rider injured.

The girl was riding her horse at 7.15am in the morning along a road in Hutton when the pair was believed to have been struck by a car.

Weston-Super-Mare police were called to the scene of the incident, shortly after which the animal's owner and vet arrived.

A police spokesperson said: "The horse died at the scene shortly after the incident."

Although the rider was taken to hospital, her injuries were not serious and she was subsequently discharged.

With the darker mornings and nights beginning to set in, riders are being urged to don their high visibility jackets and reflective equestrian apparel as well as ensuring that their horse is wearing some kind of reflective gear as well.

High visibility jackets are especially essential on country roads where streets are unlit.