A LEADING North East land agency firm has once again given its support to the prestigious Belsay Horse Trials.

Bywell-based company Land Factor, which specialises in rural sales and lettings and estate management, will be a platinum-level sponsor of the two-day event at Belsay Hall on June 4 and 5.

Around 5,000 people are expected to attend to watch 500 riders compete in dressage, show jumping and cross country events.

This is the third year Land Factor, which is the managing agent for the Belsay Estate, has been a sponsor at the event, which attracts international, national and regional competitors.

There will also be a new course at the event, designed by Adrian Ditcham, course builder at the famous Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials.

The 2016 event will also see the introduction of a second arena, hosting BSPS Working Hunter Classes and Pony Club team show jumping.

Organiser of Belsay Horse Trials, Laura de Wesselow, said: “The event just gets bigger and better each year and that is due, in no small part, to the support we receive from sponsors, such as Land Factor.

“This year we will once again be welcoming some of the sport’s leading riders including 2016 Rio GB Olympics team hopeful Nicola Wilson and Dutch Olympic rider Andrew Heffernan.”

Land Factor’s Matt Williamson said: “We are delighted to be strengthening our relationship with the Belsay Horse Trials by upgrading our sponsorship of the event and are looking forward to what promises to be a superb weekend.”