THE RAF has been asked to investigate complaints that a low-flying Chinook scared a group of young horse riders at an equine centre near Louth.

The manager at the Grimsby Institute-owned Lincolnshire Rural Activities Centre (LRAC), Sarah Moss has lodged an official complaint to ensure pilots know their aircraft should not be flying over the centre as there is a restriction in place.

The District Commissioner of South Wold North Pony Club, Rowley Bolton, whose members were involved in the incident, has also complained.

Mr Bolton was a family friend of Heather Bell, the 38-year-old mum who died in 2003 after her horse was spooked by a Chinook helicopter near her Middle Rasen home.

During that incident it was claimed the aircraft was only about 50ft above the ground.

Mr Bolton thinks that, during the LRAC incident, the Chinook was less than 150ft high.

"Fortunately, on this occasion, the ponies and horses were extremely good – but I was incensed.

"It appeared over a line of trees and then levelled off, but was extremely low. It is not right and it is not fair."

Ms Moss explained that a low flying restriction applied at the centre because it was a registered Riding For The Disabled establishment.

"I am extremely unhappy with the situation and I hope the RAF will take this matter seriously and ensure the low-fly zone is adhered to in the future.

"Thankfully this is not something we have experienced regularly at LRAC."

An MoD spokesperson said: "The MoD is investigating this incident and takes great care to minimise the disturbance that low flying can cause to the general public.

"It is essential, however, that aircrew are prepared for the dangers of operational flying in Afghanistan. All Riding For The Disabled establishments are granted 'permanent avoidance' status ."