Record numbers of Scots are taking up polo as Princes William and Harry give the sport a more modern look.

Women have also been saddling up since supermodel Jodie Kidd added glamour to the game.

The number of polo clubs has more than doubled in five years. Club membership has soared by more than a third to 131 compared to just 82 in 2002 and hundreds of people are taking lessons.

Experts say lower club charges help drive the boom and allow the sport to shed its elitist image.

Riders no longer have to own ponies, but can borrow from clubs while lessons cost around £50.

Stewarton Polo Club began in 2004 and now has 20 full-time members, with dozens taking lessons at its Ayrshire base.

Milly Scott, of the Hurlingham Polo Association, which governs the game in the UK, said: "People are making an effort to make it more accessible to all and women join the sport as it is glamorous and challenging."