Natasha Morris is back in the saddle after being crushed by her horse in a riding accident.

First aiders rushed to help the 12-year-old, who stopped breathing when she swallowed her tongue after being thrown from her horse when it failed to clear a jump.

The St John Ambulance volunteers have been praised by Natasha's mother Denise for their quick action before her daughter was airlifted to the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath.

Natasha, of Plummers Plane, near Horsham, fell off Socks during a riding camp.

The animal landed on her, rolling over her body.

Denise, 39, said her daughter was lucky.

She said: "When I ran over we saw she was not breathing because she had swallowed her tongue.

"Thankfully, a lot of us knew first aid so we knew what to do and people got there very quickly. I didn't really have time to think, although I was obviously worried, because I just wanted to make sure we were doing everything right for her.

"I cannot stress enough the importance of going on a short first aid course. Everyone was brilliant. She's a very lucky girl."

Ro Jennings, district commissioner for the Crawley and Horsham Pony Club, who hosted the camp, said: "St John Ambulance volunteers were absolutely brilliant and I think they saved her.

"Everybody was shouting and very worried. She's a very brave girl."

After a short stay at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Sick Children in Brighton, Natasha has fully recovered - and is already back practising her canter.

She said: "I really enjoy riding and I just couldn't keep away. I don't really remember much about the accident but I was glad Socks was all right."

Denise added: "She wanted to get back on the horse a week later but I said she had to wait.

"I was not tempted to stop her because this is what she wants to do. Just crossing the road is dangerous so it's a risk you take."

Natasha is trying to raise funds for professional training.

Anyone wishing to sponsor her can call 01403 891405.