WALKERS in the New Forest are being urged to closed gates behind them following a horrific crash that left a teenager fighting for her life.

A car containing three 18-year-old girls was travelling through the Forest when it hit a pony that is thought to have ventured on to the A35 after a roadside gate was left open.

The pony crashed through the vehicle's windscreen, causing life-threatening injuries to the front seat passenger.

The Brockenhurst teenager was taken to Southampton General Hospital, where doctors treated serious wounds to her head and face.

Now Forest residents, visitors and landowners are being urged to keep gates shut in a bid to prevent any similar incidents.

The crash was raised at the monthly Court of Verderers, which deals with animal-related issues in the area.

The Official Verderer, Dominic May, said the collision occurred near the former Holmsley Aerodrome just after 11pm on July 6.

He told the court: "Our agisters were called to assist at the scene of an extremely serious accident on a fenced road.

"The accident left a young woman passenger in hospital with critical injuries."

Mr May said one of the police officers called to the scene discovered that a gate leading from the old aerodrome to the road had been left open.

He added: "It's assumed that the pony had escaped from the Forest through the open gate on to the A35.

"This awful accident highlights how important it is to ensure that all gates are kept closed, especially those that lead on to the Forest's extremely busy A roads."

The court, which is open to the public, also discussed the recent spate of hit-and-run animal accidents in the district.

Sway resident Rosemary Bennett said the Verderers should publicise their reward scheme, which offers a payment of up to £1,000 for information leading to the conviction of a driver who fails to report an accident.

She said: "A5-size notices could be displayed in car parks, shop windows and village notice boards.

"The headline - 'up to £1,000 reward' - would attract the attention of locals and visitors alike, hopefully making people more aware of the scheme.

"It might also act as a warning to those who drive through the Forest without concern for the animals."