AN ancient skill was revived when daredevil horseback archers showed off their talents as they rode hands-free and shot arrows at targets.

The dramatic sport, which is growing in popularity, held its first demonstration alongside a competition at the weekend.

Experienced riders travel at a canter or a gallop, with no reigns so they can focus on shooting arrows at targets.

Although horseback archery dates back centuries as a form of combat, it had completely died out in Britain until a recent resurgence in popularity.

Now, Ashmoor Horseback Archers, at Stoodleigh, near Tiverton, is fully involved in the revival.

Hayley Bishop, who runs the club with her mother, said: "I love it. For a person who loves riding their horse and also enjoys archery, you can combine the two very successfully. It's exhilarating — even to do it from a walk is really exciting."

The demonstration at the weekend involved different types of disciplines, including shooting sideways on and varying between forwards, to the side and to the back.

The overall winner was 15- year-old Sophie Leahy, from Stoodleigh.