Guards on horseback are to patrol remote homes in a unique crime-fighting venture by a local security firm.

The new scheme to protect vulnerable rural properties has been launched by Executive Securities of Burley-in-Wharfedale and will cover houses around Guiseley, Tranmere Park and Menston.

The announcement comes after Rawdon woman Joanna Kay received a police commendation for chasing a suspect on horseback. She was riding her horse Gypsy Fox when she spotted two youths being pursued by police.

"The idea of our people patrolling on horseback is to provide protection for out-of-the-way places," said the firm's assistant director, Philip Swain.

"My wife Alison is a keen horserider as well as a trained security officer and she and another staff member will visit those properties which pay for the service."

The firm employs 12 people and offers a range of services for wealthy clients. And Mr Swain said he was confident the mounted patrol would be a success.

"There is definitely a need for this and I think we must be the only firm offering such a thing," he added.

Mrs Swain, 37, will be working with her 16.2hh chestnut Casey, a Dutch Warmblood, and will patrol alone or with another mounted guard.

"If they spot anything, or anyone suspicious they will report it instantly using two-way radios," her husband said.

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