HORSE-riders in East Dorset say they are champing at the bit to saddle up if county rights-of-way chiefs agree tomorrow to upgrade two long-disputed footpaths into bridleways.

The bid to upgrade the pair of Colehill footpaths, which border St Michael's Middle School, was first made by riders some 30 years ago but was never completed. The British Horse Society took on the battle three years ago and believes it has proven horse-riders have used the paths for at least 20 years.

Members of the rights-of-way committee at County Hall are being recommended to approve the changes on the definite map.

Jean Heaton is the bridleway officer for Dorset who made the 2004 application on behalf of the horse society.

She also used to live locally to the disputed paths and would ride them regularly, as well as use a horse and trap.

She said: "When I started this I didn't even know about the earlier application and we only submitted evidence to County Hall of usage for the past 20 years.

"Buy they have found evidence of usage going back more than 30 years, plus unearthed maps from the last century showing the paths as cart tracks.

"The law says that if the public have used a route unchallenged, whether by walking or riding, for more than 20 years then it must be deemed as such and made a footpath or bridleway.

"I think we have easily proved this."

In a report to be seen by members of the committee at their meeting, the director of environment, Miles Butler, says that opposition to the bid has been made by the parish council and a local landowner.