A TELEVISION crew descended on York Racecourse as the Knavesmire team tried to help a presenter overcome her fear of horse riding.

Blue Peter's new face, Zoe Salmon, pictured, needs to be able to ride a horse and her efforts to master a new skill are going to be broadcast on the programme.

Luckily for her, expert help was at hand for the intrepid presenter in the form of the Northern Racing College, who provided the instruction and the horses.

Instructor Alyson Deniel, from Malton, helped guide her through the basics while leading rider, Kevin Darley, from Sheriff Hutton was on hand to provide tips.

Viewers can find out how Zoe got on when the BBC1 show is aired on Friday, February 18.

Updated: 10:28 Saturday, January 22, 2005